Is the housing recessed where the stat goes? I use a thiin coat of RTV in the recess and "glue" the stat into that, let it set up enough so it can't fall out of the recess, then put the gasket (also with a skim coat of RTV) over that and install. Even with all that I've had the edge of the stat come out of the recess, = instant leak.

 

Thanks Ross.

 

I replaced my radiator this weekend and took off the radiator housing elbow and did not see a thermostat? I assume I need to get one, and a gasket (do I also need any sealing caulk?). It's a 226 flat 6 so this in the inlet upper hose.
I went to advance auto parts and O'Riely auto parts here, neither had a stat? Is there a comparable one and gasket? Thanx.

 

Chris, I'm not very familiar with the Flathead 6 but it looks like C & G early Ford carries them. Give them a call to double check. Very nice folks as well! With regards to sealant, you may not need it for this motor but if you do, I used Indian Head Shellac on my 223 Six-works great so far. Steve

 

be careful when using sealant for this application. If using a thick sealant such as RTV, just wipe a thin coat onto both sides of gasket. Don't apply as bead straight out of tube so it doesn't squeeze out when bolted down possibly freezing the thermostat. If you need more sealant than that it's likely the housing flange is warped. Replace it or sand the original flat. Be sure there is no old gasket or remains left on neck or block, seen more than a couple leakers because of old gasket left under new.

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^THIS!

Overuse of RTV is a leading cause of famine, earthquakes, acid rain, and dementia in this country. Seriously, RTV is best used sparingly. I only use it on water-holding flanges/surfaces. The rest of the time, I use grease to hold and help seal minor imperfections. For certain applications like cork manifold end gaskets or valve cover gaskets, I'll use something like permatex #2 to hold the gasket in place and then grease on the other side.

I've seen RTV used to seal all sorts of things where the excess was squeezed into places it never should have been. I've seen big blobs of RTV in radiator tanks, I've seen RTV blobs blocking the full engagement of a T5 shift fork, and I've seen chewed up RTV in the drained oil of rear ends and transmissions. I've also seen it in the bottom of oil pans and partially blocking manifold drain holes. It is the devil's work!

 

ok, I've tried to find a replacement Thremostat and no luck? I tried DC.
I have a 1948 F-6 226 Flat. Ideas? Any new ones that fit? I also need the gasket....
Thanx.

 

ok, I've tried to find a replacement Thremostat and no luck? I tried DC.
I have a 1948 F-6 226 Flat. Ideas? Any new ones that fit? I also need the gasket....
Thanx.

 

Did you do a Google search on the p/n? DC shows to have it, so do many others.

 

I called DC and they said 8 cylinder only? I said 226 flat6.... Where did u see it?

 

8HT-8575-B | RearCounter.com | 52 found at 7 sellers

FoMoCo Thermostat 1HA 8575 A 1HA8575A Fits 1949 51 Ford | eBay

 

great, I forgot about ebay. Thanx.

 

Hey Chris,
We just replaced the thermostat housing on our truck.
Took us an embarrassing # of tries - I highly recommend Permatex #2
for your sealant. We tried a few other Brands & had the fun of re-doing it
a few times to get it to stop leaking.

Good luck over there in Georgia!

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

Thanx for the advise, anything to save some time and work is much appreciated.
I have enough scrapped knuckles, etc. from when I replaced the radiator and alternator


I purchased a couple thermostats and gaskets (thanx on that post), coming this week I hope (yet rain in the forecast).