The Ford Barn

ryanheacox · 11-21-2018, 08:46 AM

Just finished buttoning up my Fordor after putting in a new engine and would like to put some miles on it before putting it away for the winter.

I have a 160 degree thermostat that goes in the upper radiator hose but took it out last year seeing no benefit during summer driving.

Now that it's cold (and going to get much colder) I imagine that the t-stat would become more beneficial. My only concern is that since it's located in the top of the upper hose (instead of the head like a modern car) and the air temps are very cold, it could take too long to open or not open at all thus causing more damage than running too cold.

I'm probably overthinking this. My gut says it'll probably be fine either way but I'd like to hear from people with firsthand experience. Thanks.

11-21-2018, 08:46 AM	#1
ryanheacox Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Northwest CT Posts: 1,092	Cold weather driving with or without thermostat? Just finished buttoning up my Fordor after putting in a new engine and would like to put some miles on it before putting it away for the winter. I have a 160 degree thermostat that goes in the upper radiator hose but took it out last year seeing no benefit during summer driving. Now that it's cold (and going to get much colder) I imagine that the t-stat would become more beneficial. My only concern is that since it's located in the top of the upper hose (instead of the head like a modern car) and the air temps are very cold, it could take too long to open or not open at all thus causing more damage than running too cold. I'm probably overthinking this. My gut says it'll probably be fine either way but I'd like to hear from people with firsthand experience. Thanks.