Thermostat for 460 Cobra

[Tom Wells]

Mike,

I run the 180 and it seems fine. Running temp is in the 190-210 range. I use a 16lb cap.

What temp the engine needs to run correctly seems to be a 6-beer discussion, so just my opinion that the 190-210 range is fine.

I do put a small hole in the flange of the thermostat to allow air to escape even if it isn't open. 3/32 is probably OK.

If you want the fan(s) to run less you might consider adjusting the on-off temps a bit. Mine come on at around 190 and off about 180.

Tom

[mdross1]

Originally Posted by Tom Wells

Mike,

I run the 180 and it seems fine. Running temp is in the 190-210 range. I use a 16lb cap.

What temp the engine needs to run correctly seems to be a 6-beer discussion, so just my opinion that the 190-210 range is fine.

I do put a small hole in the flange of the thermostat to allow air to escape even if it isn't open. 3/32 is probably OK.

If you want the fan(s) to run less you might consider adjusting the on-off temps a bit. Mine come on at around 190 and off about 180.

Tom

Tom

While the manifold is off feel the need to try something new. The hole in the thermostat must help burping air out of the system I assume. With yours and Brians info looks like I'm in pretty good shape.

Mike

[Tom Wells]

Mike,

Exactly - the hole in the thermostat flange is to assist burping. If mine has air in the cooling system, it overheats. If it gets burped over 3-5 heat/cool cycles it is fine.

I have a catch can attached to the radiator overflow.

When the engine is hot, the water expands, driving some of the air out through the tube. The air comes out because the overflow is attached nearly at the top of the radiator where the air can accumulate.

As the engine cools, water is sucked back in from the overflow can, so it is vital to keep its water level above the end of the tube.

Tom

[BOBOCobra]

I run a dual fan, fully shrouded inlet on the fish mouth and fans are shrouded. Fans cover about 70% of core. 180 degree t-stat, high flow with air bleed. Fan 1 comes on at 190, fan 2 comes on at 195-200. At ram air I run almost exactly 100 degrees over ambient. Fans rarely run at ram air. in traffic fan 1 runs constant and fan 2 will cycle on and off and it runs between 190-210 depending on ambient. If cool coastal ram air it will run down to about 170 and move between 170 and 180. Tried a 160 t0stat, made little difference, just opened sooner.

[RockBit]

Originally Posted by Tom Wells

Mike,

I have a catch can attached to the radiator overflow.

When the engine is hot, the water expands, driving some of the air out through the tube. The air comes out because the overflow is attached nearly at the top of the radiator where the air can accumulate.

As the engine cools, water is sucked back in from the overflow can, so it is vital to keep its water level above the end of the tube.

Tom

I have a question about this. If the overflow tube is above the radiator cap, I can see how excess coolant will overcome the cap pressure and be vented to the catch can. I cannot see how coolant can be sucked back into the radiator from the catch can, because the (pressure) radiator cap is closed.

What am I missing?

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by RockBit

I have a question about this. If the overflow tube is above the radiator cap, I can see how excess coolant will overcome the cap pressure and be vented to the catch can. I cannot see how coolant can be sucked back into the radiator from the catch can, because the (pressure) radiator cap is closed.

What am I missing?

Radiator caps have 2 functions.

1. hold pressure until the design pressure is reached
2. allow return of coolant when the engine cools, the pressure drops and a vacuum is created.

Check the 1:15 minute mark of this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhLUwsCdM08

[RockBit]

Originally Posted by cycleguy55

Radiator caps have 2 functions.

1. hold pressure until the design pressure is reached
2. allow return of coolant when the engine cools, the pressure drops and a vacuum is created.

Check the 1:15 minute mark of this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhLUwsCdM08

Thank you for the aha moment. I did not realize there are two types of radiator caps, vented and non-vented. The vented type has a second valve to allow coolant to be pulled back into the radiator from an overflow tank.

I get it.

[CBattaglia]

Originally Posted by Tom Wells

Mike,

I run the 180 and it seems fine. Running temp is in the 190-210 range. I use a 16lb cap.

What temp the engine needs to run correctly seems to be a 6-beer discussion, so just my opinion that the 190-210 range is fine.

I do put a small hole in the flange of the thermostat to allow air to escape even if it isn't open. 3/32 is probably OK.

If you want the fan(s) to run less you might consider adjusting the on-off temps a bit. Mine come on at around 190 and off about 180.

Tom

Engine oil optimum temp and acceptable temp range??

Beer open... go! I have been doing a lot of reading and I can't get a straight answer.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by CBattaglia

Engine oil optimum temp and acceptable temp range??

Beer open... go! I have been doing a lot of reading and I can't get a straight answer.

Ask, and ye shall receive: What Is The Optimum Engine Oil Temperature? - Hot Rod Network