Thermostat?
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Thermostat?
I have a 1973 f-100 with a 302 and factory air (I think). I recently installed a new radiator because the older one was leaking. It now seems to run a lot cooler but it never gets to operating temperature. It used to go about 5/8-3/4 of the way up the gauge with the old radiator, but still stayed well within normal range. Now the needle barely moves. At first I just thought my gauge was inaccurate, but now it's getting colder and my heat isn't really working that well, so I'm thinking thermostat. What do you guys think?
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And just as with all new parts manufactured during this century, test it first, like in a pot of boiling water. Plenty of defective thermostat stories out there these days...
If you can't get to it as soon as you'd like, you can always stick some cardboard in front of part of the radiator, to bring the temps up a little.
If you can't get to it as soon as you'd like, you can always stick some cardboard in front of part of the radiator, to bring the temps up a little.
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thanks, I'm not sure which one I'll go with, i was originally going to get the $3 they will sell me at o'reilly but I'll probably go with motorcraft now, or Mr. gasket, depending on which way I feel like driving tomorrow
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: S.E. Louisiana;so far USA
You'll probably find what you want, but if not, here's another source with many choices:
1973 FORD F-100 5.0L 302cid V8 Thermostat | RockAuto
Be sure to get a replacement gasket also, and put a bit of goop on it after thoroughly cleaning and checking the mating surfaces. Some anti-seize on the bolts' threads will help some on the next removal.
The advice about testing it in a pot of water with a known good thermometer is good advice. Sometimes even a new part doesn't perform as it should. The original in my '76 was rated at 178F.
1973 FORD F-100 5.0L 302cid V8 Thermostat | RockAuto
Be sure to get a replacement gasket also, and put a bit of goop on it after thoroughly cleaning and checking the mating surfaces. Some anti-seize on the bolts' threads will help some on the next removal.
The advice about testing it in a pot of water with a known good thermometer is good advice. Sometimes even a new part doesn't perform as it should. The original in my '76 was rated at 178F.
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Senior User
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You'll probably find what you want, but if not, here's another source with many choices:
1973 FORD F-100 5.0L 302cid V8 Thermostat RockAuto
Be sure to get a replacement gasket also, and put a bit of goop on it after thoroughly cleaning and checking the mating surfaces. Some anti-seize on the bolts' threads will help some on the next removal.
The advice about testing it in a pot of water with a known good thermometer is good advice. Sometimes even a new part doesn't perform as it should. The original in my '76 was rated at 178F.
1973 FORD F-100 5.0L 302cid V8 Thermostat RockAuto
Be sure to get a replacement gasket also, and put a bit of goop on it after thoroughly cleaning and checking the mating surfaces. Some anti-seize on the bolts' threads will help some on the next removal.
The advice about testing it in a pot of water with a known good thermometer is good advice. Sometimes even a new part doesn't perform as it should. The original in my '76 was rated at 178F.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,207
Likes: 60
From: S.E. Louisiana;so far USA
Drain plugs can be added to the lower tank or in-line on the lower hose. In it's absence you'll probably just have to release the lower hose clamp. It's messier, but it will get it done.
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it looked like it was stock, only number I could find was 192. I got the other one in. When I was installing it my wrench slipped and I busted two ports of the ported vacuum switch. So that won't be fixed until Wednesday when the part comes in. If it's not the thermostat, what else could it be?