Hey everyone, got to change my leaking thermostat housing and it was only a bad gasket. Then I broke a bolt off. After several evenings of soaking it in an old rag saturated in penetraing oli it came right out tonight. WHEW!! Im going to buy a new gasket and thermostat tomorrow. What is the recomended replacemet? My car is a 70 skyl;ark 350 with air. Thank for any advice! Drew.
A 180* stat is always a good middle ground to start with. There are a lot of factors that are going to influence temp ratings on a thermostat that you choose. It's almost like changing the jets on your carb, some idle too rich, some too lean, and others just right. You really need to get a temp guage and see what it is running first of all. Then you can decide which one is really right for your application. For example, I am going to want to jump to a 195 over a 180 because my car never really reaches the temperature that I want it to. I might even go to a 190 instead of 195 - simply because I don't want that much more heat....just a little tweak really. On the other hand, if you are running a 195 stat and decide your motor is running too hot, and you jump to a 160 stat, you might have an adverse reaction with the heat. It may actually run HOTTER than with the 195. Simply because the stat is letting too much water through too fast, and not allowing the radiator to cool the water thoroughly. Just like if you were to completely remove the stat and run it wide open, the same thing may occur. Does any of this make sense?
From what I was always taught, 160 is best for racing, and gives the most power, 195 was best for emmisions and mileage, while 180 was the best of both worlds. I myself run a 160, but I plan on a 180 next year. I like a cooler runing motor to keep the oil a bit thicker. Joe
Well Drew, what temp was the old one, and what kind of operating temps were you experiencing? Those are factors to consider when looking for a replacement. My 350 was running 210-215 on an 80deg day, so I pulled it, found it was stamped 195, and went and picked up a 180. It took about 10deg off my operating temp on a warm day. If you were happy with your engine temps with the old thermostat, buy one with the same rating. If you want a bit cooler, buy the next step down and try it out.
thanks for the fast replies. it had a 160 in it and that seemed fine. Think im going to a 180. Have a great weekend! Drew.
Mr. Gasket hi-flow t-stats? Not trying to hijack your thread Drew but does anyone have any first hand knowledge with the Mr. Gasket hi-flow t-stats? I bought the 160 and 180 degree ones from Jegs.
Go with the 180 T/Stat, It a great middle ground. and unless you have a radiator the size of Lake Erie, or drive the car in freezing weather, the engine will never actually stay at that temp in warmer weather. In my opinion, the 160 T/Stats only work well in boats:bglasses: Mark
I've seen something before that showed you cylinder rate of wear increases alot when the engine is at less than 180 deg. If a car runs at 210 with a 195 stat, it will still run at 210 with a 180 stat, unless the 195 stat was bad. If the motor is running above the T-stat rating, it will be open anyway. Overheating a motor can kill a T-stat. Stick with a 180 deg. Nick
