53 to 57 thermostat solved
Just did a valve job on my 55 but for some times the temp. Gage when I first started the engine cold would go to over 200 then drop back to 180. So I changed out the original thermostat with a new original 160 problem solved . Just thought I would mention this for people having the same problem with their temp gage. It now is under 180 all the time.
-
-
Re: 53 to 57 thermostat solved
Have experienced this same thing in the past with 55-57's where gauge goes to hot, then after some driving settles back to normal. This was after say an antifreeze change or manifold change, etc., anytime cooling system was opened and/or drained. Somehow there was an air bubble getting into the system and that bubble would form a hot spot around the sensor (steam pocket). Then, after the coolant was able to circulate for a while, it would expel the air through to the top tank and eventually out the pressure cap/overflow. In fact, I recall, I used to stop the car and open the pressure cap to relieve it, but this was only a temporary fix. I found that in each case a good system flush, including opening the plugs on the side of the block, would eliminate the problem for good. I assumed there may have been some blockage in the block that caused that air to be retained as there would be a lot of crap blow out of those side plugs.
Stu Fox -
Re: 53 to 57 thermostat solved
So is a 160 degree correct for a '56? My restoration shop told me 180 and that's what I bought not knowing...Comment
-
Re: 53 to 57 thermostat solved
My Clymer book and ST-12 seem to be mum on the subject. However, my '57 passenger car shop manual calls for a 160* thermostat. That's about right for the era so I would expect 160* to have been correct for '56 Corvettes also.
JimComment
-
Re: 53 to 57 thermostat solved
Hmm, ok. I think I'll stick the 180 in it then since I plan on driving it and IMHO, the fuel will burn better at the hotter temp.
Thanks!
AlexComment
-
Re: 53 to 57 thermostat solved
I ran a 160* in my 63 L-76 practically since it was new and continued to do so for the last number of years, primarily because my car was very heat sensitive. Just the nature of my beast. Recently, I managed to overcome much of the heat related issues with the carburetor and decided to flush out the cooling system, replaced the thermostat and use new 50/50 coolant. I put in a aftermarket 180* that is the high flow type. I am seeing only a slight increase in normal operating temperature and no heat related issues - even here in Central Florida. Changing the thermostat is not all that difficult or time consuming, so I recommend you try the 180* and see how it works with your application. If it runs too hot (hot so as to make you worry), then go back to a 160*.
Stu FoxComment
-
Re: 53 to 57 thermostat solved
That is actually common operation for a thermostat. If the engine is heating up fast it will go over the thermostats opening temperature until the thermostat has had time to open fully. There is usually a slight delayed action.Comment
-
Re: 53 to 57 thermostat solved
I guess what Roy and you are speaking of could be called a thermostat hysteresis situation. What I was talking about in my previous post was where the gauge would peg HOT, then settle back to normal and that I found to be due to a steam pocket - probably not Roy's problem, but one worth knowing of.
Stu FoxComment
-
Re: 53 to 57 thermostat solved
It was just a bad one ,new one warms up just right temp sits below 180 now , these things are getting hard to find.
Comment
Comment