Cool Running
 

I have an interesting issue. I installed engine pans on my coupe to help cut down on fumes in the cab and aid in cooling. I have accomplished both of these. My problem is that now the car runs cold, rarely above 120 degrees. It used to run hot on idle and now only get to the normal range when I let it sit idling for 15 min or so. I know that here in southern Alabama overheating should be my main issue and it is, but should I consider installing a (dare I say it) thermostat to keep in a normal operating range? She runs well at all speeds, but seems a little balky at times. Some of our Australian members may be able to comment on thermostats in a hot area.
Thanks

Re: Cool Running
 

Years ago I put in a thermostat 160 degrees, have driven hours long parades in 95 plus days without problems. And got increased fuel mileage

Re: Cool Running
 

I was thinking about buying pans for my AA when I start assembly. Thanks, I was worried about overheating with loads on long hills. Sounds like I need them.

Re: Cool Running
 

120 degrees seems very low. How are you measuring the temperature?

I use a dial meat thermometer placed directly into the coolant to measure temps.

Re: Cool Running
 

I added a 160 degree thermostat to my car, and I started getting better gas mileage as well. Previously, the water temperature was typically down around 120 or so.


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Re: Cool Running
 

When Model A's and Model T's were new, people would use a partial cover over the radiator in the winter to keep the engine warm. You could even see these on Diesel trucks a few years ago. They would also cover the hood when parked to keep the engine warm to ease starting. I have seen the covers with zippers to control the temperature.

Re: Cool Running
 

I also run a 160 deg thermostat and overall the engine runs much better. It warms up faster and stays at a good operating temperature. I have no overheating issues at all using a thermostat and I live in Southern California where it gets HOT and do a lot of touring and running up into the mountains on HOT days.
I also have engine pans on all my cars.

My experience,

Chris W.

Re: Cool Running
 

Wouldn't we all love to have your problem?

I use a 160* thermostat from one of the Model A parts stores that is welded to a stainless steel tube. I drill out the two bypass holes to 1/4 " diameter and allow the thermostat to slide up to top of hose, no clamps.

ALL cars have used thermostats for the last 75 years.

Richard
Anaheim CA

Re: Cool Running
 

I don't like running any vehicles w/out a thermostat.

Re: Cool Running
 

Proper engine temperature is important for long engine life. Pistons, for instance, expand as they heat up. Running a piston cold is not quite as bad as overheating one, but you will pay a price running a cold engine. Vintage Precision makes a nice thermostat housing..

http://vintageprecision.com/index.html

Re: Cool Running
 

Running too cold is bad for an engine as the byproducts (unburned H/C, water, and acids) of combustion will condense in the crankcase and not vent out the breather to the atmosphere. These byproducts will promote corrosion in the crankcase.

I run a 160°F thermostat. On a hot day with the thermostat wide open my engine runs at 170°F. The addition of a thermostat will not cause an engine to run hot at some seem to believe.

Re: Cool Running
 

Remember the aftermarket Winterfront thermostatic controlled radiator shutters?

Re: Cool Running
 

Shutters for sale on ebay.

Re: Cool Running
 

Sixty years of driving Model A’s and I have never used a thermostat. Like the Model T, a Model A cooling system depends a lot on the syphon effect.

Back in the early sixty’s, working in a gas station after school. We use to remove thermostats from cars for the summer. Put them back in in the fall. This was in Connecticut.

Check out The Rocky Mountain A’s Cooling System Seminar 2/25/2012 presentation on line. It could be very helpful.

Will are all entitled to our views.

Re: Cool Running
 

I drove this car to high school back in the sixties, year round, in Indiana and only drained the radiator at night. It didn't have a temperature gauge and at sixteen I couldn't have cared about anything but driving her. Now with the wisdom of age; just like myself, I want to keep her as healthy as possible. I didn't consider all the possibilities of damage until I read Ruth's post. Since installing the pan my plugs have been fouling quickly and I get the strong odor of incomplete fuel combustion. I'm going with the thermostat and housing from Vintage. I'll post the results I get in the future.
Thanks again for all of the input.

Re: Cool Running
 

Vintage Percision housing with 160 thermostat and Berg Radiator. have run 4,000 miles no issues.

Warms up quickly in winter maintains 160 deg. Summer even on hot days over 95 deg engine runs between 170 -185 deg. Have not lost a drop of coolant either.

Thermostats were perfected and started going into production cars in 1932.
Henry was building 400 dollar cars and was not concerned about engine longevity or fuel economy. He wanted to sell more cars not make classics out of them.

Re: Cool Running
 

All my old Ford 8n tractors run 160 degree thermostats, They go into the upper radiator hose just above the water pump/head outlet. Doesn't anyone use these? and if not, why not? Look at them on-line by searching "8N Thermostats". Easy to put in and they work.

Re: Cool Running
 

Henry was building 400 dollar cars and was not concerned about engine longevity or fuel economy. He wanted to sell more cars not make classics out of them.
I'm not so sure this was true. Ford made a good quality car, the survival rate is a testament to that.

Re: Cool Running
 

Most use the ones the vendors sell https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/P...earchByKeyword Much cheaper than the 8N Thermostat.