Tough lesson to learn.
Regarding thermostat housings, I always put studs in the intake rather than using bolts where possible.. Easier to get the housing on and it saves the threads on an aluminum intake.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RKS.PA
I'm slowing working my way...and learning....through the 1956 Thunderbird my wife and I bought back in October 2022.
I'm fairly well acquainted with pre and post war flatheads, but this one is brand new to me.
This car tends to run cool....173* at the radiator with an infrared thermometer and I'm trying to get my original temp. gauge to register accurately. So, I thought I'd check to see what kind of thermostat was in the car. Turns out it was a 160* and I'm putting in a 180* to see how that changes things.
In the process, I cleaned up the housing that attaches to the intake manifold and replaced the gasket. Everything went back together until I tightened the two 5/16 bolts that holds the housing on the manifold.
Unfortunately, I should have read the instructions on torquing them to 12 to 15 ft. lbs. found in the Shop Manual. Of course, trying to get everything leak proof, I overdid it and cracked the housing. Yet another lesson learned!! (and $60 later for a new housing and gasket!!)
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