The Ford Barn - Radiator Temperature

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- - Radiator Temperature (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=256033)

1929	12-12-2018 12:23 PM

Radiator Temperature

Took the car out for its winter exercise yesterday, for over an hour, the radiator temperature gauge was 130 to 135 with the outside temperature about 36 degrees. Is it ok to run the car that cold?, usually in the warm weather its at 160 and above.

1931 flamingo

12-12-2018 02:44 PM

Re: Radiator Temperature

Do you have a t/stat installed?? Concensus is you should.
Paul in CT

Synchro909

12-12-2018 04:17 PM

Re: Radiator Temperature

Ditto instal a T'stat.

WHN	12-12-2018 04:23 PM

Re: Radiator Temperature

Model A’s, as we know, were not built or designed for thermostats.

Back in the day they would just block some of the radiator to raise the temperature.

Some owners really like to run a thermostat. That’s OK, it’s their car.

Just keep in mind that for 90 years now. Most Model A’s have been running fine without one.

For 60 years I have not used one. Never a problem, even in up-state New
York.

Synchro909

12-12-2018 04:39 PM

Re: Radiator Temperature

Quote:

Originally Posted by WHN (Post 1705061)

What you are doing is fine but I think the engine will run better and for longer in a cold climate if a T'stat is fitted.

WHN	12-12-2018 04:54 PM

Re: Radiator Temperature

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synchro909 (Post 1705074)

What you are doing is fine but I think the engine will run better and for longer in a cold climate if a T'stat is fitted.

I’m to old to change, and my car is older than I am.

One of the things I enjoy most about this forum is the interchange of ideas.

Keep up the GOOD WORK!

Bill

30 Closed Cab PU

12-12-2018 06:36 PM

Re: Radiator Temperature

Here is another recent thread about blocking the radiator, or using a thermostat.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...ght=thermostat

When using a thermostat using/providing coolant bypass is recommended to prevent possible cylinder 4 overheating.

Y-Blockhead

12-12-2018 06:53 PM

Re: Radiator Temperature

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1929 (Post 1704986)

Regardless of how you raise the temperature, with a thermostat or radiator blockage with cardboard, to answer the OP's original question, no you should not run your engine so cold because unburned fuel, acids and water will accumulate in the crankcase that have bypassed the piston rings. You need to raise the engine operating temperature in order to vaporize these bad things and vent them out. Your engine will thank you...

1929	12-12-2018 06:53 PM

Re: Radiator Temperature

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1931 flamingo (Post 1705030)

Do you have a t/stat installed?? Concensus is you should.
Paul in CT

I removed it because my rebuilder who has a great reputation, and who has been rebuilding these engines for many years, told me I should remove it, so for his experience and knowledge with the Model A, I did as he recommended.

redmodelt

12-12-2018 07:02 PM

Re: Radiator Temperature

160 T'stat or card board or hood blanked or radiator shutters.

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