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Old 12-02-2010, 08:02 PM   #4
19Fordy
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Coral Springs FL
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Default Re: Restrictor washer instead of t-stat

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom's36coupe View Post
Have been running washer's with 1 inch diameter hole in them instead of thermostats. I know most people like to run thermostats but only drive my car in the summer so don't really care about warming up. Just like the idea that water is circulating all of the time. Anybody else doing the same, how about hole size too. My motor runs at 180 going down the road in 75-80 degree weather, only gets hotter when sitting in traffic then the fan turns on.
This question about using washers to slow down flathead water flow is as old as the V-8 itself. I think early stock car racers used the washer along with the "break off every other impeller blade" trick. But the trouble with the washer is that restricts a "smooth" water flow and creates cavitiation (bubbles) in the coolant thereby reducing the amount of water actually touching the inside cylinder walls - reducing heat conduction.
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