Thermostat
 

Thermostats on As are installed in the upper radiator hose? Thanks.

Re: Thermostat
 

Not all, Vintage Precision has a really nice tstat setup. Check it out.

Re: Thermostat
 

That does look good. But I've already got the water outlet gooseneck tapped for the water temp sensor.

Re: Thermostat
 

Yes, upper hose. Often you will find that the thermostat migrates to the top of the hose, which will alter its behavior. People use various strategies to mitigate this. You can cut a section of lower hose, which is narrower, and put it in the upper hose above the thermostat. You can also just add a hose clamp, but some folks consider this unsightly, hence the lower hose workaround.

Re: Thermostat
 

Good afternoon...We also use the Vintage Precison unit. It is the best of the possibilites on the maket in my view. Ernie in Arizona

Re: Thermostat
 

I went to the hardware store and found a couple plastic pipe fittings that fit snugly, the two in tandem hold the thermostat at the water outlet neck.

Re: Thermostat
 

If I put in a section of lower hose into the upper hose to hold the thermostat in place can it be a short section or should it be the length of the upper hose? There must be a fairly strong force of water going through.
Some people say drill a couple of small house in the thermostat so that there is always some coolant getting through. Should I?
I'm also putting in a new Brassworks radiator. I will flush out the block first. Some folks say stretch an old sock over the upper radiator water inlet before attaching the hose to prevent crude from getting into the radiator. Is this a good idea?

Re: Thermostat
 

1. 1-2” of lower hose is probably fine.

2. Current thermostats come with the holes already drilled.

3. If you’re serious about protecting the radiator, I suggest a Gano coolant filter, not a sock.

Re: Thermostat
 

Is there a market for a Gano Filter/Thermostat combined device? I can't see that it would be difficult but setup costs might be too high.

Re: Thermostat
 

I took a look at the Gano coolant filter. What a great idea! Never knew about it. I will get one. Thanks!

Re: Thermostat
 

After years of chasing the thermostat around the upper hose I made this fitting. It simply fits in the water outlet neck and is held in place with JB Weld. So far it has worked quite well.

Attachment 518558

Re: Thermostat
 

I used a black zip-tie above the thermostat. So far, keeping it in place and it blends in with the black hose. It's not too noticeable, but it's a truck and I'm not concerned about points.

Re: Thermostat
 

I use the Vintage Precision unit and could not be happier. A bit pricey, yes, but a first-class device. The sensor on my water temp gage was long so I had to add in VP’s extender fitting, I think that should be part of the normal package, not an add-on. I use the fitting in the upper radiator hose for my coolant heater.

JayJay

Re: Thermostat
 

Wello,

It has been my experience that glycol based antifreeze will attack the two component adhesive.

Re: Thermostat
 

Lots of great info! Ford Barn has been a real asset. Thanks everyone!

Re: Thermostat
 

Didn’t think to mention it, but you likely want your temp sensor before (below) the thermostat. If you had it above you’d never know if the thermostat stuck closed. Although in my experience I’ve had them stick open, but never had one stick closed.

Re: Thermostat
 

Can I ask a question. Who cares if it ends up at the top end of the hose, up against the radiator neck. I mean why do we care? It still will slow down the water.

Re: Thermostat
 

It doesn't open until the hot water gets to it. Close to the engine it will open sooner. The engine will be at a higher temp before the hot water migrates to the top of the hose since water won't be flowing with it closed.
The small holes in the thermostat is to let air out of the system when you refill it.

Re: Thermostat
 

I have VP thermostat housings on both my Model A's for years, couldn't be happier. Best on the market.

Re: Thermostat
 

You need a plug in the side your distributor, helps keep dirt and moisture out

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...7&d=1686877024

Re: Thermostat
 

Re: Thermostat
 

Why do you want to slow down the water? It's not the old BS about the water not spending enough time in the radiator to cool down is it?

Re: Thermostat
 

Seems to me that with the thermostat at the upper dead end of the radiator hose, 18 or so inches from where the heat is generated, you would run the risk of overheating before the heat transferred enough to open the thermostat. I like the thermostat lower, on the head, for that reason.

Re: Thermostat
 

Besides the fact the Vintage precision thermostat housing was designed and made by model A folks who stand behind their product there is another reason.

The thermostat is properly supported, like they are in modern applications. No chance of distortion causing the stat to hang open .. or worse, closed. Additional ports for a mechanical temp probe and hot water cabin heater, a well made and machined product.

Re: Thermostat
 

The hole that is in the thermostat flange is too small. In hot weather the thermostat will eventually open and allow a slug of hot coolant to flow into the radiator where it could cause the radiator to boil over. The thermostat then closes and the cycle is repeated. This is especially true when going up a grade. The problem is worse with the thermostat at the top of the hose.

The solution is to drill out the hole in the thermostat flange and perhaps drill more holes. I have a hot weather thermostat that has 6 holes. My winter thermostat has the one hole drilled out to 1/4 inch or a tad larger. The thermostat should be at the bottom of the hose.

A coolant powered heater helps because it provides constant flow of coolant through the engine. That is if the valve that shuts off the coolant flow the heater is left open. Without the fan for the heater being on very little cooling occurs for the coolant.

Re: Thermostat
 

That seems like a "solution" if the problem is that your radiator is overheating even with the thermostat in place. But if the radiator is working fine, there doesn't seem to be any need to drill more holes in it pre-emptively.

Re: Thermostat
 

Next time it gets into the 90's, try going up the 421 grade to Boone with the original hole in the thermostat. You will experience the thermostat cycling as described above.

Re: Thermostat
 

Nice looking unit but, to me, it looks out of place on a mostly original engine, much like an GM alternator.

Re: Thermostat
 

I like them pure stock too.. but don’t over look the benefit of fast and consistent thermal expansion on engine wear and efficiency.

GM 10si? electrical components last longer and perform better with consistent voltage, just like an engine with a thermostat..

Re: Thermostat
 

My PowerGen and thermostat in the upper hose work just fine while keeping the original (somewhat) look. :D

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...5&d=1686962663

Re: Thermostat
 

The use of modern proven upgrades to the A to increase reliability, longevity and performance. To enable the car to compete in todays traffic in some folks eye is blasphemous..to me it’s using the car as Ford intended, economical transportation

Re: Thermostat
 

Re: Thermostat
 

Here is a good one for us. Guess which one of these Model "A"s was voted 'Oldest' at this car show, my friend's Woody, my Town Sedan or the chopped purple & suede coupe with the blown Chrysler Hemi? haha

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...5&d=1687012575

Re: Thermostat
 

Now thats a hard choice for me as I can appreciate all three with the work and passion that went into them by their owners
The woody, Im a retired third gen carpenter..... Beautiful car
TheTown Sedan, what a great car to just get out and enjoy a drive in....... again Beautiful
The hot rod, purple paint definitely not my choice of color but the hot rodding blood runs deep and the amount of work in a "good" chop top is unreal. I like it but paint it black :D

Re: Thermostat
 

I have a VP set up new in the box which is tapped for a temp gauge and also for a heater (this was done by VP not me). I’ll sell it for 75% of retail plus shipping

Re: Thermostat
 

Yep, I don’t like hack work either which is why I support my thermostat correctly

I don’t believe running a fugazi alternator and a thermostat is acceptable for fine point judging either. I think running a power gen is fraudulent..but hey, run what you brung I don’t offer my opinion of what fits on the barn because it would make me look like a jerk.

Re: Thermostat
 

Oh.and since you’ve cited speed parts as an issue on the barn.. I bought and sold my first speed parts in 1973 at Hershey.. an older neighbor gave me a rajo T head that I sold for 150 bucks.. so yeah, I’ll wear that ‘hanging speed parts’ label..

Re: Thermostat
 

Thanks for the picture Wello

Re: Thermostat
 

I guess I have the same question as Synchro. Maybe for our Model A friends in Northern states it would make sense to have a thermostat. I live in Texas - today it is 100 degrees F here. I don't see the need of using a thermostat in our climate. We have NO problem getting up to temperature quickly! :) I have a REXACO temp gauge and going down the road on a hot day like today the gauge is nudging 190 degrees. I cant imagine anything blocking a healthy flow of water under these conditions. Our winters aren't that brutal, so even then I don't see the need for one. Am I missing something here?

Re: Thermostat
 

I have five *N tractors with thermostats in the upper hoses. They work but aern't ideal. My A has a VP setup and it is SUPERB!