Thermostat Use?

[1955cj5]

I've done a couple searches and read several threads.

I did read one thread that indicated that Model A's did not originally come with thermostats in the cooling system.

Is there any reason at all to NOT use a thermostat in the cooling system?

It seems to me that having a 160° thermostat is a good choice.....

[1929]

Originally Posted by 1955cj5

I've done a couple searches and read several threads.

I did read one thread that indicated that Model A's did not originally come with thermostats in the cooling system.

Is there any reason at all to NOT use a thermostat in the cooling system?

It seems to me that having a 160° thermostat is a good choice.....

I think its a great choice, and so did the person who rebuilt my engine, I asked him if it was time for me to add it, because my engine was running cool.

[RonC]

Originally Posted by 1955cj5

I've done a couple searches and read several threads.

I did read one thread that indicated that Model A's did not originally come with thermostats in the cooling system.

Is there any reason at all to NOT use a thermostat in the cooling system?

It seems to me that having a 160° thermostat is a good choice.....

A thermostat restricts the coolant flow into the radiator holding the coolant in the enginee longer. . The only reason not to use it is if it makes your engine run too hot exspecially on a hot summer day.

[Tiny]

A theromostat solved a few issues I was having with excessive flow and over heating. I see no reason not to try one.

[Y-Blockhead]

I believe a thermostat can only be a good thing. With a higher engine temperature you will get more complete combustion. If your engine is not running hot enough, the BAD stuff that gets by your rings (unburned gas, water, etc.) will condense in your crankcase, dilute your oil and circulate thru your engine. If it is kept in a vapor form it will go out the breather. I have a 180° thermostat.

This is a also a good argument for a Fumaze or Flex Tube breather to route under car by the way because they draw out the blow by. .

[Fred S]

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A thermostat brings the water to operating temperature sooner. It gets plenty hot in Houston, in the summer, and I've never had a problem with overheating, using a 160 degree thermostat.

[Capt Quahog]

Have an original 1920s era BOYCE motometer on a 31' Model A Ford that appears to accurately monitor the coolant temperature. The vehicle runs steady and normal. Operating that car in it's original form without thermostat seems to work okay. Back in the old days, we used to use straight distilled water in our Model A Ford radiators. In retrospect . . . that was mostly stupid. Nowadays, I run PEAK brand antifreeze-coolant and all seems well.

[Pete / MA]

I like to drive my Model A on nice days in New England that can be anywhere from 40* to 90*. My 160* T-stat and Berg HD radiator keeps the engine well within the "operating range" in all conditions so far. I'm very happy with this setup,.............Pete

[JohnLaVoy]

Like was said the operating temperature of the engine needs to be in the 160 range for a proper burn of the current fuel on the market. I was using a moto-meter for years to watch the temp and was shocked to find that my phaeton was only getting to 140 on a really warm day. I had installed a modern high quality temp gauge to find this out. Have since installed the 160 degree thermostat on each of the cars we tour in.

[CarlG]

My engine builder recommends (and furnished) a 180° Thermostat.

[bettlesr]

I run a 180° thermostat on mine. Keeps the water nice and warm for my under seat heater.

[Tom Wesenberg]

I also use a 180* thermostat.

[bobpo1]

I have not had an overheating problem since I installed the 160 Thermostat. It regulates the temperature very well, and most of all, it gives you complete peace of mind That's important.

[1955cj5]

Thanks to everyone..

The 160° thermostat is installed....

Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny...time for a test drive!

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

An engine is a water HEATER, a radiator is a water COOLER, a THERMOSTAT is needed to co-ordinate the water flow!--SIMPLE!
Bill W.

[Capt Quahog]

Hadn't factored in the use of modern day corn on the cob infused petrol. When I last was running Model A Fords, we had plenty of nice cheap wholesome LEADED gasoline available.

Okay then, where does the thermostat go within a standard Model A Ford 4-banger engine? Also too, will the increased temperature cause the antique Boyce Motometer to overheat and explode?

As the wounded bank robber said to Dirty Harry, "I gutts ta know . . .!"

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Capt Quahog

...Okay then, where does the thermostat go within a standard Model A Ford 4-banger engine? ...

I got one of these thermostat housings from Vintage Precision.

[Tom Wesenberg]

I slip the stat into the top hose as close to the engine as possible, and I slip a plastic barbed fitting into the hose to hold it in place, so it doesn't get pushed to the top of the hose by water pump pressure. I buy a barbed coupler at Menards for 2" ID hose. I can then cut about 1" off each end with the barbs and thus have 2 fittings for 2 of my cars. At first I used a piece of lower radiator pushed inside the top hose, and this works well also, but I don't always have an old lower hose around to cut up.

[Dodge]

Been using one in My Model T and one in my Model A, 180 degree for 15yrs. works great.

[marc hildebrant]

While I have a thermostat, I have not installed it yet.

Currently, I use cardboard placed between the radiator and the stone guard. I raise it up or down to adjust for 160 degrees.

Not very pretty, but it works.

Marc