The Ford Barn

LRS30 · 10-28-2014, 07:50 PM

40 Mercury Tudor Sedan, Flathead V8 ok now that I have the basics out of the way, here are my questions. Yes this is my first Flathead V8
1. I removed the top radiator hose because they where the corrugated internal spring type, and kinked a bit at the head inlet, upon removal I notice the spring had rotted away and now I have all these nice little half circles laying in the top of the radiator. Pulled radiator sent out got it back now issues, all clean. So my question is which hoses are best? Stock Rubber, or the stainless kits?
2. I noticed no thermostats, or thermostat, I thought they sat ontop of the head inlet, am I wrong, are they missing, or somewhere else.
3. What degree thermostat should I run, (Midwest climate) if it needs one? I have hear they cool better without one, then I've heard they need one to slow the flow down on the coolant to work.
4. Probably start a flame war on this but what coolant is best for these engines?
5. While starting a war, what oil is recommended brand and weight.
6. Last but not least any tell tale signs (external)on how to tell if it's the right engine for the car other than the crank markings?
Thanks for helping out this newb with the answers I did use the search function, and found a lot on the 40 ford but not much on the merc, I do know that are basically the same mechanical, but didn't find exactly what I needed. So I figured I would ask the gurus... Thanks a lot guys for helping

joe 1950 · 10-28-2014, 08:49 PM

the thermostats fit in the hose at the cyl. hd hoses are ok but the stainless looks so much better 160 degree is all you need the coolant ive used over the last 30 plus years is the good old prestone get it straight mix your own 30 wt. detergent oil is all you need

ford38v8 · 10-28-2014, 09:07 PM

Coolant too slow is a myth. But you knew that, didn't you?

Cecil/WV · 10-28-2014, 09:25 PM

You'll get enough answers to remain confused.

LRS30 · 10-29-2014, 06:01 AM

Every old timer I know has a different theory, I'm just hoping I can take it all in throw what I can. Do at it and make it stick! I wish I had a local distributor guy that could scope out the distributor to make sure I have everything lined up properly.. I located in Northern Ky if anybody knows of anybody close? Hell I'd love for someone or more to swing by for a garage session to tell me what I need to keep this thing alive and well...

FireEngineMike · 10-29-2014, 08:19 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

There are chapters of the EarlyFordV8.org club in Louisville and Frankfort. Members are a wealth of information.

LRS30 · 11-01-2014, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FireEngineMike

There are chapters of the EarlyFordV8.org club in Louisville and Frankfort. Members are a wealth of information.

Thanks for the info, I will look into it!

10-28-2014, 07:50 PM	#1
LRS30 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 28	Stupid thermostat questions? 40 Mercury Tudor Sedan, Flathead V8 ok now that I have the basics out of the way, here are my questions. Yes this is my first Flathead V8 1. I removed the top radiator hose because they where the corrugated internal spring type, and kinked a bit at the head inlet, upon removal I notice the spring had rotted away and now I have all these nice little half circles laying in the top of the radiator. Pulled radiator sent out got it back now issues, all clean. So my question is which hoses are best? Stock Rubber, or the stainless kits? 2. I noticed no thermostats, or thermostat, I thought they sat ontop of the head inlet, am I wrong, are they missing, or somewhere else. 3. What degree thermostat should I run, (Midwest climate) if it needs one? I have hear they cool better without one, then I've heard they need one to slow the flow down on the coolant to work. 4. Probably start a flame war on this but what coolant is best for these engines? 5. While starting a war, what oil is recommended brand and weight. 6. Last but not least any tell tale signs (external)on how to tell if it's the right engine for the car other than the crank markings? Thanks for helping out this newb with the answers I did use the search function, and found a lot on the 40 ford but not much on the merc, I do know that are basically the same mechanical, but didn't find exactly what I needed. So I figured I would ask the gurus... Thanks a lot guys for helping

10-28-2014, 08:49 PM	#2
joe 1950 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Green Bay Wi Posts: 400	Re: Stupid thermostat questions? the thermostats fit in the hose at the cyl. hd hoses are ok but the stainless looks so much better 160 degree is all you need the coolant ive used over the last 30 plus years is the good old prestone get it straight mix your own 30 wt. detergent oil is all you need

10-28-2014, 09:07 PM	#3
ford38v8 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 6,645	Re: Stupid thermostat questions? Coolant too slow is a myth. But you knew that, didn't you? __________________ Alan

10-28-2014, 09:25 PM	#4
Cecil/WV Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Gerrardstown, WV Posts: 2,266	Re: Stupid thermostat questions? You'll get enough answers to remain confused.

10-29-2014, 06:01 AM	#5
LRS30 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 28	Re: Stupid thermostat questions? Every old timer I know has a different theory, I'm just hoping I can take it all in throw what I can. Do at it and make it stick! I wish I had a local distributor guy that could scope out the distributor to make sure I have everything lined up properly.. I located in Northern Ky if anybody knows of anybody close? Hell I'd love for someone or more to swing by for a garage session to tell me what I need to keep this thing alive and well...

10-29-2014, 08:19 AM	#6
FireEngineMike Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Webster, NY Posts: 215	Re: Stupid thermostat questions? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) There are chapters of the EarlyFordV8.org club in Louisville and Frankfort. Members are a wealth of information.