Let's talk FE thermostats..

[undy]

As discussed elsewhere here I'm currently involved in a Cobra cooling system upgrade, larger capacity radiator, a Taurus fan and a wiring harness/controls upgrade too. Up to this point I've been running Robertshaw's performance thermostats. They're marketed under Mr. Gasket, Milodon and several other performance oriented brands. I've had very poor performance with those thermostats. I have drastic temp swings, 180f to 230f. This happens even in cooler weather. I've talked to several other people who've had similar experience with the Robertshaw "cup type" performance thermostats. I'm looking for a hi-flow reliable stat that will provide enough flow to keep my aluminum 482 cool. What's everyone else running? I would also value everyone's thoughts on the subject.

Dave

[ERA Chas]

I have read that the NAPA stat for a 318-360 Mopar is: identical to the OE Ford, is cheap and works fine. I have a Purolator 180 which has also been fine.

[elmariachi]

Originally Posted by undy

I'm looking for a hi-flow reliable stat that will provide enough flow to keep my aluminum 482 cool. What's everyone else running? I would also value everyone's thoughts on the subject. Dave

Dave, PM me your address and I'll send you one of these if you want it:

http://performanceunlimited.com/cobr...hermostat.html

I bought it when I was troubleshooting and have since defaulted back to the $6 NAPA variety with a couple 1/8" holes. Its got less than an hour of run time on it, 180*F.

Jim

[PANAVIA]

NAPA. -- with a 1/8" bleeder hole.

[undy]

Originally Posted by elmariachi

Dave, PM me your address and I'll send you one of these if you want it:

http://performanceunlimited.com/cobr...hermostat.html

I bought it when I was troubleshooting and have since defaulted back to the $6 NAPA variety with a couple 1/8" holes. Its got less than an hour of run time on it, 180*F.

Jim

Yep, that looks like the Robertshaw performance thermostat to me, dusted off, bragged on and sold under another brand. I picked up a Stant Super Stat yesterday and the hole in the middle looks awfully small. I'm heading to Daytona Beach for 9 days tomorrow so I've got some time to mull over this t-stat mess some more. I'm just concerned with creating a coolant bottle neck after spending time and money trying to increase flow and heat rejection.

Dave

[priobe]

I have a question?

Why do you drill a 1/8 hole if you the water pump has a bypass hose connected to the intake? I understand if you dont have the hose connected why doing so, but why both.


I am running a 180 thermo with the bypass connected and my temp are great. Motor warm up, goes to 190 and stays there in traffic with a single fan. Once I get to an open area and cruise temp drop to 170 - 180 and oil temp max 210

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by priobe

Why do you drill a 1/8 hole if you the water pump has a bypass hose connected to the intake? I understand if you dont have the hose connected why doing so, but why both.

It lets a little water through the hole to spray on the back of the thermostat to give a more uniform heat-up so it opens better. It also allows air pockets to purge through.

[Argess]

Originally Posted by priobe

I am running a 180 thermo with the bypass connected and my temp are great. Motor warm up, goes to 190 and stays there in traffic with a single fan. Once I get to an open area and cruise temp drop to 170 - 180 and oil temp max 210

I get the same figures (no oil cooler), and with a Napa thermostat. Not sure, but it may have been a Gates brand.

[Bobcat]

I can`t find the thread , but there was an answer from Rick Lake where he explained what to do to the Chrysler ( ? ) thermostat and compared the size difference ( flow area ) between it and the others . You might try contacting Rick on this as he says this is what solved his problems .

Bob

[undy]

Originally Posted by Bobcat

I can`t find the thread , but there was an answer from Rick Lake where he explained what to do to the Chrysler ( ? ) thermostat and compared the size difference ( flow area ) between it and the others . You might try contacting Rick on this as he says this is what solved his problems .

Bob

I read Rick's posts on the subject and got the thermostat he specified. The hole diameter is the same as the others, so no help there. I'd also talked on the phone with Rick concerning that issue.

[undy]

Originally Posted by patrickt

It also allows air pockets to purge through.

...and steam pockets too. It allows a bit of inceased cooling flow across the t-stats sensing bulb, allowing it to react sooner.

[Argess]

I'm sure you know what you're doing, but I admit to making the mistake of once putting in a thermostat the wrong way. You can get more temp extremes that way.

[Bobcat]

Undy ... the only time I`ve seen the fluctuations you talk about was when I first filled my system and didn`t have all the air out ... but you`ve eliminated that as an issue .
For comparison , I`m running a 482 built by Robert Ponds , and other than carbs , it seems close to yours . The big difference I see is that Robert blocked the water pump bypass and plugged the inlet on the manifold . I called and questioned that ... and he finally told me in so many words to just run it . I also am using the March pulleys he recommended , which is a slight under drive on the water pump . Again , questioned him and he said run it , which I did .
Our summer is over , but our temps were in the upper 90 and sometimes 100 degrees . I saw 190 in town which dropped to 180 once I got moving , but no spikes . I got my thermostat already drilled from Gessford Machine .
I would be interested in what you find .... and I bet it will be one of those "why didn`t I see this before " moments .
Good luck .

[elmariachi]

Maybe a stupid question, but do you get these swings when running with NO thermostat?

Jim

[undy]

Originally Posted by elmariachi

Maybe a stupid question, but do you get these swings when running with NO thermostat?

Jim

You know Jim, I've never run it without a stat. Too cold can be almost as bad as too hot, especially with an aluminum motor. If I still get these temp swings with the new stat (which ever one I go with) then no stat would be the next step. Odd thing is, the cooler it got outside the higher the temp would spike. RickL experienced the same symptoms with a Mr. Gasket (Robertshaw) stat in his FE as I did. The problem went away after he replaced it with a different mfr's stat. There were also similar hits on google about the subject too. That gives me a glimmer of hope. I checked with NAPA today on the way home from work and they carry the Stant line, semi-reboxed with the NAPA logo on it. I've got some breathing room as far as time goes so I think I'll do some more research. I just wish someone else made a hi-flow stat other than Robertshaw.

Dave

[Bobcat]

Dave .. just went out to the garage and checked . My thermostat is a Stant # 13478 , 180 degree , and it has two 1/8" holes drilled in it . Also says it is made in the USA . Maybe that`s why I haven`t had a problem .

Bob

[elmariachi]

Originally Posted by undy

You know Jim, I've never run it without a stat. Too cold can be almost as bad as too hot, especially with an aluminum motor. If I still get these temp swings with the new stat (which ever one I go with) then no stat would be the next step. I checked with NAPA today on the way home from work and they carry the Stant line, semi-reboxed with the NAPA logo on it. Dave

I Was just thinking that by removing the t-stat altogether (not permanently) maybe it would force something else into the light, such as a flow restriction etc.

The NAPA Stant is what I am running after all the trial and error. Keep us posted...

[undy]

Bob and Jim, I'll probably go with the Stant. I'll let everyone know how it works out. Just maybe I'm make more of an issue out of this than I should?

Dave

[elmariachi]

Originally Posted by undy

Bob and Jim, I'll probably go with the Stant. I'll let everyone know how it works out. Just maybe I'm make more of an issue out of this than I should?Dave

I have $5 that says after you get that fan going, your temp range will be no more than 15 degrees above your t-stat rating.

[RICK LAKE]

elmariachi The size is #14 and he can't keep the thing from being matted on the floor. I will take that $5.00 bet. Side note, he is also adding more power to the car. about 250-300 HP. Rick L.