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Old 10-12-2017, 07:54 AM   #16
WHN
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Connecticut Shoreline
Posts: 1,815
Default Re: Thermostat use-yes or no?

Quote:
Originally Posted by steve s View Post
Well, we sure can't argue with success! Other than their being demonstrably essential for my after-market hot water heater to work, all I know about thermostats is what I've read. But, be that as it may, as a fellow long-time Model A owner, I would be interested in your experience on another issue. (I've owned my car since 1960, but it was out of use for 22 years while life intervened.)

What has been your radiator experience? Specifically, I've long suspected that a major cause of Model A radiator failure is use of regular (waterproof) grease in the water pump. It's almost impossible to know when you've added just enough grease, and I believe that much of the years-of-excess grease has to wind up in the radiator tubes. Ford recommended water soluble grease to prevent this, but I suspect that few people do. I'm curious if you've gotten decades of service from your radiators as you have with the motors, and what your lubrication practice has been, especially since you mention you've never had overheating problems.

By the way, I'm a big advocate of using thermostats to prevent UNDER warming of the engine, but I've never been persuaded that thermostats are useful to prevent OVER heating.

Thanks!

Steve
No argument from me, just my view of things.

I am not against spending money on cars, maybe more than I should.

Our 29 has had a couple of new correct radiators over the years, greaseless water pump, correct two blade fan and engine side pans, new hoses every few years, plus regular flushing. Also only water with rust inhibitor. Drained in November, back in commission in May. All major services are done by Model A specialist, not me.

I remember working at a local service station in the early 60's and removing thermostats from cars for the summer than putting them back in in the fall.

Heat can be a problem for engines. Take a look at cylinder temperature charts and what the raise of temperature does to your motor oil on cylinder walls.

I will not be around in 50 years to see results, but I wonder whether it will be found out that a thermostat added life to our old L heat engine?

Our 29 is not a trailer queen, but is a very well cared for, kept in heated garage, never left in sun, has not seen rain in over 40 years, and driven around town all summer (never on highway).

If you get a car that we have had, it has been very well cared for. Never a problem with overheating, even during Fireman's Parades.

My first car was a 1931 Sport Coupe that my parents gave me at 12 years old. Enjoy.

Last edited by WHN; 10-12-2017 at 08:57 AM.
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