|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
10-09-2017, 07:56 AM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Middletown, NY
Posts: 165
|
Thermostat use-yes or no?
I currently am not using a thermostat and my 4 cylinder runs at 135 to 140 degrees. Will my car run better using a 160 degree thermostat?
|
10-09-2017, 08:05 AM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Gloucester, Va
Posts: 464
|
Re: Thermostat use-yes or no?
Considering your location where you likely get some severe winter weather, it will be advantageous to use a thermostat to get your operating temperature up to normal range quickly. With no stat and cold weather, you likely will run all day long at cooler temps which is not good for the engine.
Glen
__________________
'31 Model A Deluxe Roadster '31 Chrysler Model 70 Sedan '88 Pontiac Fiero GT '36 Auburn Boattail Speedster replica |
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|
10-09-2017, 08:31 AM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Rocklin, CA
Posts: 779
|
Re: Thermostat use-yes or no?
We wrote this up in the Model A Times a few years ago. The current fuel mixture requires 160 degree or better operating temperature for a clean fuel burn. The Model A will operate in the 140 degree range so you need to elevate the temperature to maximize the fuel use.
|
10-09-2017, 10:17 AM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Shawnee, Ok
Posts: 3,471
|
Re: Thermostat use-yes or no?
Yes
__________________
Keith Shawnee OK '31 SW 160-B |
10-09-2017, 11:01 AM | #5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Kalamazoo
Posts: 1,656
|
Re: Thermostat use-yes or no?
Of all the no-brainer decisions regarding a Model A--or any car--this has to be Number One; YES! IMHO
|
10-09-2017, 01:43 PM | #6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Fruita, CO
Posts: 281
|
Re: Thermostat use-yes or no?
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
|
10-09-2017, 06:17 PM | #7 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Kalamazoo
Posts: 1,656
|
Re: Thermostat use-yes or no?
Quote:
Steve |
|
10-10-2017, 07:56 AM | #8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 502
|
Re: Thermostat use-yes or no?
I am very happy with my Vintage Precision Thermostat and Housing. Keeps engine at best temp for efficient combustion, etc. Some folks have put a stat in and claim that their engine overheats... If that is true them 1. It was already overheating . 2. a Stuck Stat but then it will really overheat fast!. Be careful when installing a temp probe in the VP housing. Some are too long and will block the stat and then it will overheat! The APCO gauge probe is the correct length.
|
10-10-2017, 11:08 AM | #9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 9,115
|
Re: Thermostat use-yes or no?
I use the Vintage Precision t-stat housing with a 180 degree t-stat. I use the ports on the VP unit for a hot water heater and a temperature gauge.
Always runs between 180 & 190. Never more than that. Couldn't be happier with this set-up.
__________________
Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club |
10-10-2017, 07:19 PM | #10 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Middletown, NY
Posts: 165
|
Re: Thermostat use-yes or no?
Thanks everyone! I will start with a 160 degree thermostat. Gary D.
|
10-11-2017, 11:19 AM | #11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: ca.
Posts: 2,522
|
Re: Thermostat use-yes or no?
160* works good for me for many years
__________________
V4f |
10-11-2017, 01:40 PM | #12 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Connecticut Shoreline
Posts: 1,819
|
Re: Thermostat use-yes or no?
Just to add another view.
I have never used a thermostat. I don't drive Model A's in winter offen. Mainly because I only run with water. In sixty years I have never had one of our cars overheat or run poorly once up to operating temperature. Car was designed to run without thermostat. There are a lot of Model A's around. Henry liked simple. Enjoy. |
10-11-2017, 05:22 PM | #13 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Kalamazoo
Posts: 1,656
|
Re: Thermostat use-yes or no?
Quote:
|
|
10-11-2017, 06:47 PM | #14 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Connecticut Shoreline
Posts: 1,819
|
Re: Thermostat use-yes or no?
Quote:
Sound engine, good radiator and water pump, correct timing, right weight oil. If as Henry built it or at least close to it. Will go another 90 years, assuming they can still buy gas. I don't think a thermostat will help add to the longevity of engine. They already have lasted 90 years. Enjoy. |
|
10-11-2017, 08:40 PM | #15 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Kalamazoo
Posts: 1,656
|
Re: Thermostat use-yes or no?
Quote:
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 |
|
10-12-2017, 07:54 AM | #16 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Connecticut Shoreline
Posts: 1,819
|
Re: Thermostat use-yes or no?
Quote:
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. |
|
10-12-2017, 08:55 AM | #17 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 502
|
Re: Thermostat use-yes or no?
Many of us have improved the cooling capacity with new larger radiators and water pumps. I replaced an aging radiator with a Berg. It is great but... also had new water pump. Pushing up hills (we have a lot of them around here) I discovered quickly it was throwing water out the overflow on tours. Lost over a gallon on one very steep hot tour. Ok ... my solution: Installed VP housing and Stat. 1. Gets to 160 quickly and temps stay stable. 2. Stat slowed the rush of water that was overwhelming the radiator and pushing out of overflow. Now after two years on hilling steep tours I have yet to loose any water from the radiator. My truck did not overheat going for short local trips but touring demands are much different than trips for ice cream.
Your results may vary. |
10-12-2017, 12:07 PM | #18 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 9,115
|
Re: Thermostat use-yes or no?
I also have a Berg radiator, VP thermostat housing with a 180 t-stat, and a James Rupert Leakless water pump. And we have lots of hills here as well. Haven't had to add coolant since the last time I drained it.
__________________
Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club |
10-13-2017, 08:03 AM | #19 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Mansfield, Ohio
Posts: 408
|
Re: Thermostat use-yes or no?
Carl, is your water pump made any different than the ones sold by the vendors? Did you buy if from this man?
|
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|