The Ford Barn

Robert/Texas · 07-21-2019, 08:40 AM

I had my radiator cleaned and repaired by a man who has been doing this since 1951. He suggested that I use 160-degree thermostats in this climate. The car didn’t have thermostats, so I need to know where and how they are to be placed.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Robert

JSeery · 07-21-2019, 09:24 AM

For starters I would disagree with your radiator guy. The hotter you run the engine the higher the efficiency, the better the lubrication works and the less sludge buildup you will have. I would want to run at least 180 degree thermostats. The thermostats do not determine the maximum temperature your engine will run at. The increase the rate at which your engine gets up to operating temperature and maintain a minimum operating temperature.

The original thermostats for the early flatheads was a barrel shape that fit inside the radiator hoses. You can use modern style thermostats but they require a method of retaining them in position. There are numerous threads on different retention methods.

Robert/Texas · 07-21-2019, 09:41 AM

Thanks JSeery.
Robert Shewman advertises barrel shape, 180-degree thermostats in the V8 Times. I'm thinking now about ordering a pair. The picture shows how the barrel is pointed. I assume that this goes on the top radiator necks, correct?
thanks Robert

JSeery · 07-21-2019, 09:49 AM

I have never used them myself, they are installed in the upper part of the radiator hose where it connects to the radiator.

deuce lover · 07-21-2019, 09:53 AM

They can be installed on top of the center water outlet on the '37 head.Then slip the hose over and clamp down.That style is more readily available.The in hose style are pricey.

Here is a pair '

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1937-48-For...MAAOSw2IVbYLjm

DavidG · 07-21-2019, 12:34 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Originally they were the type that deuce lover mentioned, namely placed in the head outlet, not in the hose.

JSeery · 07-21-2019, 02:33 PM

The 1990 Suburu Justi is one that is often referenced.

G.M. · 07-22-2019, 10:01 AM

What ever stats you use make sure they have an outlet
opening that does not restrict the flow of coolant. The modern
type stat have smaller openings and restrict the flow. The old
Robertshaw 330-160- 330-170 and 330-180 stats have large
flow opening and do NOT restrict flow. Bob Shewman modify's
stats for better flow. 1-610-933-6637

B-O-B · 07-22-2019, 04:55 PM

Robert this the flathead that I was referring about, notice only one hose clamp.

07-21-2019, 08:40 AM	#1
Robert/Texas Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Burton, Texas Posts: 681	1937 Ford Thermostat Placement I had my radiator cleaned and repaired by a man who has been doing this since 1951. He suggested that I use 160-degree thermostats in this climate. The car didn’t have thermostats, so I need to know where and how they are to be placed. Thanks in advance for your help. Robert

07-21-2019, 09:24 AM	#2
JSeery Member Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 16,132	Re: 1937 Ford Thermostat Placement For starters I would disagree with your radiator guy. The hotter you run the engine the higher the efficiency, the better the lubrication works and the less sludge buildup you will have. I would want to run at least 180 degree thermostats. The thermostats do not determine the maximum temperature your engine will run at. The increase the rate at which your engine gets up to operating temperature and maintain a minimum operating temperature. The original thermostats for the early flatheads was a barrel shape that fit inside the radiator hoses. You can use modern style thermostats but they require a method of retaining them in position. There are numerous threads on different retention methods.

07-21-2019, 09:41 AM	#3
Robert/Texas Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Burton, Texas Posts: 681	Re: 1937 Ford Thermostat Placement Thanks JSeery. Robert Shewman advertises barrel shape, 180-degree thermostats in the V8 Times. I'm thinking now about ordering a pair. The picture shows how the barrel is pointed. I assume that this goes on the top radiator necks, correct? thanks Robert

07-21-2019, 09:49 AM	#4
JSeery Member Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 16,132	Re: 1937 Ford Thermostat Placement I have never used them myself, they are installed in the upper part of the radiator hose where it connects to the radiator.

07-21-2019, 09:53 AM	#5
deuce lover Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern France Posts: 5,301	Re: 1937 Ford Thermostat Placement They can be installed on top of the center water outlet on the '37 head.Then slip the hose over and clamp down.That style is more readily available.The in hose style are pricey. Here is a pair ' https://www.ebay.com/itm/1937-48-For...MAAOSw2IVbYLjm

07-21-2019, 12:34 PM	#6
DavidG Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: southeastern Michigan Posts: 10,094	Re: 1937 Ford Thermostat Placement Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Originally they were the type that deuce lover mentioned, namely placed in the head outlet, not in the hose.

07-21-2019, 02:33 PM	#7
JSeery Member Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 16,132	Re: 1937 Ford Thermostat Placement The 1990 Suburu Justi is one that is often referenced.

07-22-2019, 10:01 AM	#8
G.M. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Florida and Penna. Posts: 4,471	Re: 1937 Ford Thermostat Placement What ever stats you use make sure they have an outlet opening that does not restrict the flow of coolant. The modern type stat have smaller openings and restrict the flow. The old Robertshaw 330-160- 330-170 and 330-180 stats have large flow opening and do NOT restrict flow. Bob Shewman modify's stats for better flow. 1-610-933-6637 __________________ www.fordcollector.com Last edited by G.M.; 07-22-2019 at 06:57 PM.