Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Late V8 (1954+)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 04-05-2018, 11:25 AM   #1
Babyboomerboy
Member
 
Babyboomerboy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Kansas
Posts: 54
Default 1956 Ford 292 ci. water temp.

I just installed a set of gauges to check, oil, water and volts in my 1956 Ford Fairlane 292 ci. engine. Can someone tell me what the normal operating temperature is for this engine? My gauge show it is about 160 degrees after warming up and driving around for a while. Kind of seems a little low and I don't know if this is normal or my gauge is defective. Thanks
Babyboomerboy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-05-2018, 11:56 AM   #2
Dobie Gillis
Senior Member
 
Dobie Gillis's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Middle TN
Posts: 1,060
Default Re: 1956 Ford 292 ci. water temp.

It's normal if you have a 160 degree thermostat. Try a 170 or 180.
__________________
Often wrong but never in doubt.
Dobie Gillis is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 04-05-2018, 01:18 PM   #3
KULTULZ
Senior Member
 
KULTULZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: IN A 'GALAXIE' FAR FAR AWAY
Posts: 6,413
Question Re: 1956 Ford 292 ci. water temp.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Babyboomerboy View Post

I just installed a set of gauges to check, oil, water and volts in my 1956 Ford Fairlane 292 ci. engine.
OEM or aftermarket? Electric or mechanical?

Quote:
Can someone tell me what the normal operating temperature is for this engine? My gauge show it is about 160 degrees after warming up and driving around for a while. Kind of seems a little low and I don't know if this is normal or my gauge is defective.

Thanks
__________________
*****

- DISCLAIMER -

The above posted information is in my opinion only (IMO) and may contain copy and paste material(s).

In addition, any above tech information is supplied in good faith. No responsibility implied or otherwise can be accepted for the way others use or interpret provided data.

Your experience(s), opinion(s) and mileage may vary.

DIAGNOSED CDO - (OCD In Correct Alphabetical Order)
KULTULZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2018, 04:55 AM   #4
smtichy
Senior Member
 
smtichy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Posts: 126
Default Re: 1956 Ford 292 ci. water temp.

Hi Babyboomerboy,

I have a 160 degree thermostat in my '55 292 c.i. and after warmed up my aftermarket VDO gauge shows about 160-170 in the spring or fall when not too hot out (below 75F). In the summer when it is 85+ out it is running about 175-185.

I opted to keep a 160 thermostat in, as most my driving is during the hot summer weather, at slower speeds with lots of stop and go for car club events, so the 160 helps keep it cooler (avg. around 180 at slower speeds). If you do a lot of cool weather driving then a higher rated thermostat may be better.
__________________
Steve

'55 Sunliner - 292 V8, 3 speed man. w/ OD
ČKMAA - Český klub majitelů amerických automobilů
smtichy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2018, 08:47 AM   #5
KULTULZ
Senior Member
 
KULTULZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: IN A 'GALAXIE' FAR FAR AWAY
Posts: 6,413
Post Re: 1956 Ford 292 ci. water temp.

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
THE WAY IT WAS DONE...

...before the advent of permanent ANTI-FREEZE, the cooling system was (supposed to be) serviced twice annually.

In the fall, the system was flushed and a 180 degree thermostat was installed, along with an alcohol based coolant. In the spring, another flush and a 160 degree thermostat install with water and a lubricant/conditioner.

When permanent anti-freeze came along it was kept all year long with a flush every two years.

Also, modern oils usually need to see 180 degrees minimum to lubricate/clean correctly and the temp is necessary to allow water vapor to be vented out of the crankcase, especially if a road-draft system.
__________________
*****

- DISCLAIMER -

The above posted information is in my opinion only (IMO) and may contain copy and paste material(s).

In addition, any above tech information is supplied in good faith. No responsibility implied or otherwise can be accepted for the way others use or interpret provided data.

Your experience(s), opinion(s) and mileage may vary.

DIAGNOSED CDO - (OCD In Correct Alphabetical Order)
KULTULZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:22 AM.