215 running cool
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Napa Valley CA
215 running cool
So me being fairly new to these trucks , i figured running cooler is better. Well i found out that was not the case always. My 215 runs consistently around 130 degrees which i know is way cool. So I'm guessing i need a new thermostat and i should be like 165-180 Correct? Ive tried to get a thermostat from napa auto they said it didn't show on the computer, they should have it right? Also is they're any real risk of this swap since the motors has been running so cold for i dont know how long.
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 366
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You should run either a 160 or 180 T-Stat. I checked the NAPA website and came with nothing however....Autozone has them so if they have a store close by, stop in and see them or you can order one through their website. Good luck. Steve
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Sterling CO
Tell the youngin behind the counter that almost none of the parts are cross referenced for vehicles before 1964 in the computer and make him go get the BOOK - the musty old huge binder book.
That t-stat you need fits ford 1916-1996 (no typo 1916-1996). I didn't write the part number down, but I will bet you they have it in Stant brand (i think the spec is 180).
That t-stat you need fits ford 1916-1996 (no typo 1916-1996). I didn't write the part number down, but I will bet you they have it in Stant brand (i think the spec is 180).
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Napa Valley CA
Just went to go pull the old thermostat, wasn't even one in there!!! So now I need to know whitch was the new one goes. Is the spring toward the front or toward the back of the truck ?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,041
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From: Sterling CO
The "hat" goes towards the radiator, the springs go in the head/block.
Put a dab of grease in the perimeter to hold it place (if it slips out of place you will crack the t-stat housing when you tighten it).
Don't feel alone, the PO took the t-stat out of mine as well. I guess it was a common problem for the old flatties to bake the paint off the hood and he didn't want to chance it. Be sure you got/get a shroud and watch your temps and you won't harm the paint at all.
Put a dab of grease in the perimeter to hold it place (if it slips out of place you will crack the t-stat housing when you tighten it).
Don't feel alone, the PO took the t-stat out of mine as well. I guess it was a common problem for the old flatties to bake the paint off the hood and he didn't want to chance it. Be sure you got/get a shroud and watch your temps and you won't harm the paint at all.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Napa Valley CA
What kinda of shield ? Like the insulation looking kind? So now am I gonna have over heating problems?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,041
Likes: 53
From: Sterling CO
PO's were notorious for doing dumb things - it is slightly likely the PO removed it (they are thin metal, get bent and make a racket if they touch the blades).
Here's a pic of a engine with a shroud
Without a shroud (notice you can see the blades right behind the radiator)
Redirect Notice
with a shroud (note
http://www.jeephorizons.com/tech/wj_water_pump/01.jpg
and a shroud all by itself
Redirect Notice
check to see if the PO hozed you on this one like the thermostat.
Here's a pic of a engine with a shroud
Without a shroud (notice you can see the blades right behind the radiator)
Redirect Notice
with a shroud (note
http://www.jeephorizons.com/tech/wj_water_pump/01.jpg
and a shroud all by itself
Redirect Notice
check to see if the PO hozed you on this one like the thermostat.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,920
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From: Houston
The 215 in my 53 sedan runs cold too. The radiator in the car is much smaller than the truck radiator and also has no shroud. I had to install a 195 degree thermostat to get my engine to run in the 170-175 degree range. Take your thermostat housing into the parts store and get a thermostat that fits the housing.
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