Replacing the radiator, what kind of thermostat (temp., brand) should be installed? My truck is a 76 f100, 2wd, stock I6 300, no air, live in SoCal. Lets hear some opinions, appreciate it. thanks

 

I think stock is 195, but a lot go up to a 210 even because the 300 runs pretty cool as it is. Seems to help with emissions and fuel economy.

 

I too live in S. Cal. I have a '75 F-250 with a hp 300. I run a 180 thermostat. I like the margin, the cushion it gives when you are right off the freeway and then get stuck in traffic. Water boils at 212.

Anyway, I tried the larger mouth old style thermo's they sell at Autozone, and it was trash. I replaced it with the Israeli brand (Murphy, I believe) they sell at Kragen.

 

F-250 restorer,

Not trying to be argumentative at all, but just for clarification... water does indeed boil at 212F under atmospheric pressure. The boiling point is raised significantly when placed under positive pressure. Under pressure and with the correct mix of coolant / antifreeze, the boiling point may be 250F or greater.

 

+1. if it boiled in the system, the water pump would start cavitating and youd be up **** creek without a paddle.

 

The thermostat controls the minimum running temperature, not the how hot an engine can get.

 

stant 195*

 

Gates green stripe 195.
Stant thermos are junk. Thats why wall mart sells them.

 

Roger That!!!!