Thermostat

[JimG1127]

Thermostats on As are installed in the upper radiator hose? Thanks.

[Rob Doe]

Not all, Vintage Precision has a really nice tstat setup. Check it out.

[JimG1127]

That does look good. But I've already got the water outlet gooseneck tapped for the water temp sensor.

[alexiskai]

Yes, upper hose. Often you will find that the thermostat migrates to the top of the hose, which will alter its behavior. People use various strategies to mitigate this. You can cut a section of lower hose, which is narrower, and put it in the upper hose above the thermostat. You can also just add a hose clamp, but some folks consider this unsightly, hence the lower hose workaround.

[Ernie Vitucci]

Good afternoon...We also use the Vintage Precison unit. It is the best of the possibilites on the maket in my view. Ernie in Arizona

[Big hammer]

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I went to the hardware store and found a couple plastic pipe fittings that fit snugly, the two in tandem hold the thermostat at the water outlet neck.

[JimG1127]

If I put in a section of lower hose into the upper hose to hold the thermostat in place can it be a short section or should it be the length of the upper hose? There must be a fairly strong force of water going through.
Some people say drill a couple of small house in the thermostat so that there is always some coolant getting through. Should I?
I'm also putting in a new Brassworks radiator. I will flush out the block first. Some folks say stretch an old sock over the upper radiator water inlet before attaching the hose to prevent crude from getting into the radiator. Is this a good idea?

[alexiskai]

1. 1-2” of lower hose is probably fine.

2. Current thermostats come with the holes already drilled.

3. If you’re serious about protecting the radiator, I suggest a Gano coolant filter, not a sock.

[Synchro909]

Is there a market for a Gano Filter/Thermostat combined device? I can't see that it would be difficult but setup costs might be too high.

[JimG1127]

I took a look at the Gano coolant filter. What a great idea! Never knew about it. I will get one. Thanks!

[Wello]

After years of chasing the thermostat around the upper hose I made this fitting. It simply fits in the water outlet neck and is held in place with JB Weld. So far it has worked quite well.

IMG_1988.jpg

[stickshift]

I used a black zip-tie above the thermostat. So far, keeping it in place and it blends in with the black hose. It's not too noticeable, but it's a truck and I'm not concerned about points.

[JayJay]

I use the Vintage Precision unit and could not be happier. A bit pricey, yes, but a first-class device. The sensor on my water temp gage was long so I had to add in VP’s extender fitting, I think that should be part of the normal package, not an add-on. I use the fitting in the upper radiator hose for my coolant heater.

JayJay

[Werner]

Originally Posted by Wello

... and is held in place with JB Weld. ...

Attachment 518558

Wello,

It has been my experience that glycol based antifreeze will attack the two component adhesive.

[JimG1127]

Lots of great info! Ford Barn has been a real asset. Thanks everyone!

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by [email protected]

That does look good. But I've already got the water outlet gooseneck tapped for the water temp sensor.

Didn’t think to mention it, but you likely want your temp sensor before (below) the thermostat. If you had it above you’d never know if the thermostat stuck closed. Although in my experience I’ve had them stick open, but never had one stick closed.

[Gene F]

Can I ask a question. Who cares if it ends up at the top end of the hose, up against the radiator neck. I mean why do we care? It still will slow down the water.

[ModelA29]

Originally Posted by Gene F

Can I ask a question. Who cares if it ends up at the top end of the hose, up against the radiator neck. I mean why do we care? It still will slow down the water.

It doesn't open until the hot water gets to it. Close to the engine it will open sooner. The engine will be at a higher temp before the hot water migrates to the top of the hose since water won't be flowing with it closed.
The small holes in the thermostat is to let air out of the system when you refill it.

[Herb Concord Ca]

I have VP thermostat housings on both my Model A's for years, couldn't be happier. Best on the market.

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by ModelA29

It doesn't open until the hot water gets to it.

You need a plug in the side your distributor, helps keep dirt and moisture out