59AB thermostat

[qmdv]

I just got my 59AB running well in a 32 Highboy. Even with a four blade fan 2 1/2 inches from radiator at idle parked in 85 degree weather the hottest it got was 140 degrees. New Walker radiator and those really good water pumps working well.

Are there thermostats available and where are they installed with Offenhauser heads.

[JSeery]

There are a number of threads on thermostats. The modern style ones install in the radiator hose at the outlet of the heads. You have to come up with a way to retain them or they will flip inside the hoses. A second clamp above the thermostat is an easy way to do it. You can also install a tube inside the hose above them, etc.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...t=thermostates

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...t=thermostates

[blucar]

The correct thermostats for the '48 and earlier Fords mount in the upper hoses directly above the heads. The stats are made to slide up inside of the hose. See attached pix.
Stats in the 160-180 range what the factory recommended for year round use. Modern stats don't work well in an early flathead.

[flatjack9]

And why would that be?

[Ford Freak]

Originally Posted by blucar

The correct thermostats for the '48 and earlier Fords mount in the upper hoses directly above the heads. The stats are made to slide up inside of the hose. See attached pix.
Stats in the 160-180 range what the factory recommended for year round use. Modern stats don't work well in an early flathead.

My 2 Flatheads both have modern stats , and both run under 195 - even on hot & humid 95 degree days . Just make sure your radiator is clean !

[G.M.]

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Originally Posted by flatjack9

And why would that be?

Because modern stats don't have large enough flow
openings and restrict the flow of coolant through the
engine and radiator. The best stats were Robertshaw
number 360-160, 360-170 or 360-180. Sometimes
they show up on the internet. G.M.

[RalphM]

So the Robert Shaw stays fit well in aluminum 59 style heads?
Those look like they would not turn like the flat ones.

[Ol' Ron]

Blucar X2

[qmdv]

Originally Posted by blucar

The correct thermostats for the '48 and earlier Fords mount in the upper hoses directly above the heads. The stats are made to slide up inside of the hose. See attached pix.
Stats in the 160-180 range what the factory recommended for year round use. Modern stats don't work well in an early flathead.

Who sells those

[RalphM]

You would have to find those NOS. Check with third generation automotive.

[qmdv]

After much research I have found that the Robertshaw 330-180 is highly recommended. As is the 360-180 also by Robertshaw. Does one work out better than the other and why.

[G.M.]

Originally Posted by qmdv

After much research I have found that the Robertshaw 330-180 is highly recommended. As is the 360-180 also by Robertshaw. Does one work out better than the other and why.

You got it a little mixed up. They are all the 330 type. The
second numbers are the temperature they open at.
330-170 is the 330 type and opens at 170. G.M.

[qmdv]

Originally Posted by G.M.

You got it a little mixed up. They are all the 330 type. The
second numbers are the temperature they open at.
330-170 is the 330 type and opens at 170. G.M.

Robertshaw also makes a 360-180. I have read where they are also the hot set up. Get it "hot" The 360 is a different series of dimension I suppose.

Well maybe not. I thought I saw a reference to the 360 series but cannot find it now