Thermostat question
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 9,359
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From: Hampstead, NC
Thermostat question
I'd like to install a different thermostat in my 466 to lower the coolant temps a little (maybe) Right now, I have a stock 195 degree thermostat in there and the temp run between 190-200 degrees depending on air temp and where I am driving (in town or on the hiway) Which thermostat should I use? I have a 4 core radiator and a mechanical flex fan with shroud.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 966
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From: Crooked River Ranch, OR
Thermostat question
I'm assuming your running a carb...if so you can go as low as 160 degrees
If your running EFI do not go below 180 or the computer will keep the engine in the "choke" mode and run constantly rich.
Deen
If your running EFI do not go below 180 or the computer will keep the engine in the "choke" mode and run constantly rich.
Deen
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,882
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From: Nevada
Thermostat question
When properly warmed up in medium level summer climates, most engines will find an operating temperature that often has no relation to the thermostat. To hold the temperature right at at the thermostat rating requires adequate radiator capacity, correct coolant circulation, a full shroud and a good fan.
My only brief experience with a flex fan was that it didn't do the job at idle or low rpms because it didn't pull enough air across the radiator.
180+ degrees is a rule of thumb ideal operating temperature that produces less wear on moving parts because oil thins to an operating viscosity producing less friction than colder oil.
My only brief experience with a flex fan was that it didn't do the job at idle or low rpms because it didn't pull enough air across the radiator.
180+ degrees is a rule of thumb ideal operating temperature that produces less wear on moving parts because oil thins to an operating viscosity producing less friction than colder oil.
Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 9,359
Likes: 1
From: Hampstead, NC
Thermostat question
Yes, it's a carb engine. Thanks for the info George. For the most part, it stays right at the thermostat rating of 195 degrees, only goes to 200 if it sits and idles for 10+ minutes in warm air temps (85+ deg) I didn't know if there was a benefit from running a cooler thermostat or not. I've had no problems with the flex fan so far and the stock clutch fan was shot when I built the engine. I'd like to go electric, but don't have the money to spend on the correct set up right now. Thanks.
Last edited by Ford79; Aug 4, 2003 at 08:57 PM.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 837
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From: Minnesota
Thermostat question
I got a much better understanding of the cooling system after reading the "cooling systems" articles at this site:
http://www.grapeaperacing.com/GrapeA...tech/index.cfm
Explained some things I didn't consider before.
http://www.grapeaperacing.com/GrapeA...tech/index.cfm
Explained some things I didn't consider before.
