Thermostat operation

[Steve D.]

There was a recent thread about thermostat ratings, but I didn't find it in searching, so I apologize if this is a rehash.

1. What are the negatives to running without a thermostat? Summer, winter ? (I recently had the thermostat hang up during a short run, and blew a gallon of coolant out the over flow. Removing the thermostat cured the problem, but I haven't replaced it yet.)

2. Different applications for different ratings; 160, 180, 190... ?

Steve

[Duke W.]

Re: Thermostat operation

Removing the thermostat is bad news!!! The engine will warm up slow and not reach operating temp, which could cause fuel dilution of the oil. Thermostats are simple, reliable, and rarely malfunction. Replace yours with an OEM or equivalent from a name brand manufacturer, and use the original temp rating.

The rating of a thermostat is the temp. at which it opens, and it is full open 20 to 30 degrees above the rating.

You can test the thermostat in a pan of water on the stove and a meat thermometer. It should open near the temp spec on the thermostat and be near full open when the water boils, which would be 212 degs. at see level.

Duke

[Duke W.]

Re: Thermostat operation

Removing the thermostat is bad news!!! The engine will warm up slow and not reach operating temp, which could cause fuel dilution of the oil. Thermostats are simple, reliable, and rarely malfunction. Replace yours with an OEM or equivalent from a name brand manufacturer, and use the original temp rating.

The rating of a thermostat is the temp. at which it opens, and it is full open 20 to 30 degrees above the rating.

You can test the thermostat in a pan of water on the stove and a meat thermometer. It should open near the temp spec on the thermostat and be near full open when the water boils, which would be 212 degs. at see level.

Duke

[Joe L.]

Re: Thermostat operation

Steve-----

Although they are blamed for a myriad of over-heating problems, in my experience, thermostats rarely fail. I've only experienced ONE confirmed failure in my life. So, unless you have confirmed that the thermostat ACTUALLY failed, I'd be a little dubious that it was the cause of your problem. Keep in mind that removing it might have "gotten you over the hump" of otherwise marginal components in your cooling system so that removing it APPEARED to solve your problem.

Also, most Chevrolet V-8 engines have a bypass provision, internal or external, to prevent catastrophic over-heating if the thermostat fails. Except as a very temporary measure (like when you're stranded in the middle of nowhere, have a failed thermostat and no way to get a new one immediately) I would NEVER operate without a thermostat installed in my engine. They are decidely NOT optional.

For 1955-64, Corvettes GENERALLY used 160 or 180 degree thermostats depending upon year/engine. For 1965-82, Corvettes GENERALLY use 180 degree thermostats EXCEPT applications with AIR smog control system which use 195 degree thermostats. I recommend using a 180 degree unit for ALL 1965-82 Corvette applications. A Robertshaw thermostat will pass a higher volume of coolant when fully open and those are what I use.

[Joe L.]

Re: Thermostat operation

Steve-----

Although they are blamed for a myriad of over-heating problems, in my experience, thermostats rarely fail. I've only experienced ONE confirmed failure in my life. So, unless you have confirmed that the thermostat ACTUALLY failed, I'd be a little dubious that it was the cause of your problem. Keep in mind that removing it might have "gotten you over the hump" of otherwise marginal components in your cooling system so that removing it APPEARED to solve your problem.

Also, most Chevrolet V-8 engines have a bypass provision, internal or external, to prevent catastrophic over-heating if the thermostat fails. Except as a very temporary measure (like when you're stranded in the middle of nowhere, have a failed thermostat and no way to get a new one immediately) I would NEVER operate without a thermostat installed in my engine. They are decidely NOT optional.

For 1955-64, Corvettes GENERALLY used 160 or 180 degree thermostats depending upon year/engine. For 1965-82, Corvettes GENERALLY use 180 degree thermostats EXCEPT applications with AIR smog control system which use 195 degree thermostats. I recommend using a 180 degree unit for ALL 1965-82 Corvette applications. A Robertshaw thermostat will pass a higher volume of coolant when fully open and those are what I use.

[Steve D.]

Re: Thermostat operation

Duke

Thanks. I will replace it directly.

Steve

[Steve D.]

Re: Thermostat operation

Duke

Thanks. I will replace it directly.

Steve

[Steve D.]

Re: Thermostat operation

Joe

Thanks. I'm headed to the parts store.

Steve

[Steve D.]

Re: Thermostat operation

Joe

Thanks. I'm headed to the parts store.

Steve

[Clem Z.]

Re: Thermostat operation

the RS thermo if it fails will fail open.

[Clem Z.]

Re: Thermostat operation

the RS thermo if it fails will fail open.

[Joe L.]

Re: Thermostat operation

clem----

That's another advantage that I didn't know about. Now, I'll NEVER use anthing but Robertshaw.

[Joe L.]

Re: Thermostat operation

clem----

That's another advantage that I didn't know about. Now, I'll NEVER use anthing but Robertshaw.

[Clem Z.]

Re: Thermostat operation

joe, i never tested this but that is what i was told.

[Clem Z.]

Re: Thermostat operation

joe, i never tested this but that is what i was told.