Thermostats for FE

Michael C Henry · #1 (**permalink**) 04-10-2002, 03:51 PM

I'm concerned about thermostats for my 427 FE. I have the large surge tank opening 63MM the way I understand it.I went shopping at NAPA and was given a #91 by the counter person.I looked at it and thought the valve area was small,about 3/4".
The thermostat that I removed from my engine was a large outer ring made from one thrmostat w/ apersice inner hole and a Whole other thermostat w/a large valve,about 1 1/2" across.It was almost all valve w/verry narrow outer ring.It was RTV'd together It worked for the most part but there were occassions when temps ran cooler or hotter than normal.I now wonder if the outer body or valve edge could have gotten hung up on the outer ring.Has anybody been down this road before and what did you come up with?

CSX 4027 · #2 (**permalink**) 04-10-2002, 07:25 PM

If the surge tank and manifold are 427 Ford you should be able to use the stock part. I used the 180 with a 19-21 lb Stant racing cap on my 12.1:1 race motor........ran perfect and then some

Michael C Henry · #3 (**permalink**) 04-11-2002, 03:29 PM

I just spent 3 hours driving store to store and another two on the computer..I'm waiting for answers.They have high flow thermostats for cheveys.What are us FE guys going to do.Parts persons tell to drill holes but where's the control that way?

ERA#569 · #4 (**permalink**) 04-13-2002, 11:02 PM

Jegs has Brass High flow stats that have air hole already. You have to order the one for Chrysler (bigger size) and it fits the origanal FE tank for the 427 great. I have a 180 temp and it works great. The opening is double the stock stat.

www.JEGS.com PART # 720-4367 for $9.99

http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...br=76&lastcat=

Good luck, Scott

SCOBRAC · #5 (**permalink**) 04-14-2002, 09:10 AM

You need an R-code motor thermostat.. I got one at Pep Boys made by Stant #29478 180 degrees.. There is a 160 if you think that would be better. (my car doesn't like 160) I do not have the number but it should be right next to the 180.

Regards,

SCOBRAC · #6 (**permalink**) 04-14-2002, 06:42 PM

The 160 thermostat is Stant 35476...

Michael C Henry · #7 (**permalink**) 04-14-2002, 08:49 PM

I just ordered both the chrysler thermostats we will see where it leeds us. If this doesn't fit I intend on finding a machinist to make an adapter that I can load one of these thermostats into an have the tank altered accordingly.

Steve Jones · #8 (**permalink**) 04-16-2002, 07:20 AM

I don't know about other FE's, but my engine simply will not run (at least without fouling plugs) below 180°. I have to let it warm up to temp before taking it out on the road or I'll foul some plugs for sure.
What bothers me is that lately (within the last season) I've noticed that the temp must get to 200-210° before the stat opens. When it does open the temp drops immediately to 180° but, I don't like putting my aluminum heads (and head gaskets) through that kind of thermal shock. The thermostat (Stant) has been in there about three years and may be getting tired.

Scott, I hope you're right about the Chrysler stat from Jegs, I just ordered two of them. I like the fact that they claim to open within about 2-3° of their rating. I don't think I need the high flow feature, but it can't hurt.

Steve

wicked fast · #9 (**permalink**) 04-16-2002, 08:52 AM

Ford and GM use a 2.125 diameter stat, Chrysler uses a 2.50 diameter stat.

Stant p/n #'s for Ford FE 390, 427, 428

160'-45356
180'-45358
195'-45359

Cheers,
Bill Cook

Steve Jones · #10 (**permalink**) 04-17-2002, 07:04 AM

Bill,
You have to be carefull there, I think the Ford FE applications that use a gooseneck at the manifold (Mustang 428CJ for one) do use the small thermostat. The FE applications that use the expansion tank bolted to the manifold use the 2.50 inch thermostat.

I just received the Chrysler thermostats from Jegs and Scott is right, they are the right size for the expansion tank and I will be installing one this weekend. There is a significant difference in the size of the passage diameter. I just hope they're as accurate as they claim. They do not, however, come with a gasket. The Fel-Pro number for the right gasket is 35063 (or NEA 677). Thanks Scott!

Steve

Michael C Henry · #11 (**permalink**) 04-17-2002, 07:35 PM

Go on to next reply

Michael C Henry · #12 (**permalink**) 04-17-2002, 07:39 PM

I just received my Milodon 160 thermostat ,only available in 160 .(I now think its too cool) What I ordered was for 67 and earlier FE.The package says in large print "all Chrysler" and " in smaller print" 67 and earlier FE Ford.So I expect the Mister Gasket Chrysler thermostats to fit the same. None of the tech people seemed to know about this ( but it's written on the package). The online Summet and Jeg's show the same picture for all thermostats ,no demensions and the tech people seem to be reading from the same screen that I'm looking at.I called Jeg's, Summit ,Milodon .Went online to Robert Shaw,Stewart Componets, Mister Gasket.I drove to Schucks, NAPA,Car Quest, Dougs racing stables,B&G Honest Performance over a three day period.And had not a mention of this fact. Thanks to all that got involved.You Guys are great. I can't empress on the people I meet how much information you guys have and give up to know nothings like myself.Thanks a bunch.

It's setteled ,If you want a high flow thermostat for a 67 and earlier FE. Order a Mister Gasket Chrysler thermostat in 160 or 180 and the hunt is over. By the way what symbol do we use for 'degree'?
Michael C Henry

Steve Jones · #13 (**permalink**) 04-17-2002, 09:17 PM

Michael,
To get a degree symbol,
1) Press and hold down the [alt] key
2) Type 248 on the numeric keypad (w/num lock on)
3) Release the [alt] key

Works in most fonts.

Steve

427 S/O · #14 (**permalink**) 05-21-2002, 06:27 AM

ERA# 569 you are correct, the NAPA boys could not locate the large FE thrmostat, after we went through several boxes the chrysler fit perfect.

CCX33911 · #15 (**permalink**) 05-23-2002, 08:09 AM

I am also trying to figure out which thermostat is best as I also have a 63 mm expansion tank. One thing to keep in mind is that the thermostat goes into a not so large hole in the intake (at least on my intake). As the diameter of the thermostat flow hole increases (to flow more coolant) the clearance arround the outside decreases. Thus if a really large one is used you will cut off coolant flow to the thermostat from the back side (arround the sides feeding from the manifold).

Michael C Henry · #16 (**permalink**) 05-27-2002, 11:04 AM

The hole in my intake is appparently allready large enough to accomadate the chrysler thermostat. The valve is the same as a chevey but located in a larger frame.It will do the job I wanted and I don't have to worry about the two seperate peices shifting and hanging up.