Hey guys,


I was running my 46 ford and was checking the temps coming off the engine and radiator. I noticed at the pipe where the thermostat is installed is around 200 degrees. The radiator was sitting around 170.


The temp gauge is not currently functioning, so I was curious if the above indications are normal? If not I was considering just removing the old thermostats.


Any issues with running without the thermostats?


Thanks

 

Don't run without thermostats. Often water circulates too fast to cool off and the engine will overheat, flip side is it doesn't get warm enough to run right.

 

Wouldn't be concerned with the temp readings you mention.
Thermostats are a must. I have 160 degree units in my 8BA flathead. Be sure you have the correct gaskets, as the replacement ones sold at NAPA fit but don't allow the thermostat to be recessed into the gasket..... then they will leak.

 

Craig,
Pop over to the FordBarn.com "EarlyFord V-8" forum and search for "thermostats". Cooling systems are a topic like engine oil - there are as many opinions as there are people. Some of the folks in the local Early Ford V-8 chapter (Western NY) are running distilled water with Zerex anti-rust & water pump lubricant from NAPA and no thermostats in summer with great success. The experience includes a 780 mile one-day return drive from the Eastern Meet in Charlotte back in June.

 

I am one of the pro-thermostat folks. I run thermostats and I live in Texas. I use 180s in the 8BA style engines and 160s in the center water outlet head engines.

 

Straight water does dissipate heat better than 50/50 mix antifreeze and with the additives even better. Still don't know why they would run without t-stats. Just to be different and prove people wrong maybe? I know folks like that. It would be a delicate balance to keep an engine hot enough to run right and not overheat without t-stats. I have done it in roundy round cars by fiddling with a restriction in place of a thermostat and slowing down the pump. Half speed on the pump and a disc with a 3/8" hole worked about right for sustained 6500-7100 rpm.

 

i,m not there yet but just curious. on my 42 truck, there seems to be no thermostat. is it possible to have no thermostat,and if so can one be installed.

 

There are two schools of thoughts on thermostats. One is remove them and get as much velocity through the cooling system as possible. The second is to use (high flow) thermostats to control engine temperature. Old Henry on FordBarn.com did a lot of research on thermostats and recommends NAPA THM111 (Stant 14157, 170 degrees). Since the thermostat just sits on top of the head water outlets and is held in by friction with the hose, he uses a fine strand of wire on each side of the "tower" to hold the thermostat in place. GM on FordBarn.com recommends a Robertshaw high flow thermostat from Robert Shewman in Kimberton, PA.
Once you determine yes or no on thermostats, you get to think about water pumps. Again there are two schools of thought. One is rebuilt/new versions of the originals. Their proponents believe that the radiator can effectively handle only a certain flow rate and higher flow is counterproductive. The second is high flow pumps from George "Skip" Haney in Punta Gorda, FL. Their proponents believe that velocity is the key to successful cooling.
Now for coolant. Again two schools of thought. The first uses 50/50 antifreeze/water year around. This is the most convenient method. The second uses (distilled) water with anti-rust and water pump lube since water is a more effective coolant than the 50/50 mix. Of course you have to either drain the cooling system completely for winter or switch to 50/50 antifreeze/water if your flathead lives in an area prone to cold temperatures.
Then there is the discussion of pressurizing the system with "Skip" Haney's 3 psi valve at the end of the overflow tube. This helps keep coolant in the cooling system rather than have it flow onto the road when hot and allows the engine to run cooler.
Check out the following thread for info:
An argument FOR thermostats. .. - The Ford Barn
You can go to FordBarn.com and search the forum for threads on all of these subjects. Just make sure you have an urn of coffee, good light, and a lot of patience.

 

Thanks everyone for the insight.

I think that running with t-stats is the way to go for me. I am glad the engine is running within prescribed limits.

After I complete some other priority issues, I will attack getting the temp gages to work again.

Now, off to get my reconditioned gas tank back under my seat!