thermostats, yes or no?

[James_Douglas]

I doubt anyone other than some big truck owners load drive a flathead six with more weight that my 1947 Desoto Suburban.  My engine block was acid dipped prior to rebuilding. The cooling system in it has:

 

1. New distribution tube.

2. New "dimple tube" radiator.

3. High efficiency (more volume) water pump.

4. 180F thermostat.

5. Six blade steel fan -dodge truck.

6. Electric 6V pusher fan on front of radiator for traffic stop and go on a switch.

7. I use Prestolite Rust Preventer

8. I use Water Wetter.

9. I DO NOT use anti-freeze.  {I live in the middle of San Francisco, dumping anti-freeze or even spilling a little is not an option}

10.  If I am heading to the mountains, I pour in alcohol which is good for a month or so for freezing.

 

This car does not over heat.  Even in places like Reno in July in stop and go traffic.  It will heat up if in gear, on the fluid coupling, and not moving or moving very very slow like 2 MPH.  I found a Chrysler Tech Bulletin that specifically says to not let a car sit in gear (with a fluid coupling) for more than 5 minutes or the engine can heat up.  In bad stop and go traffic, I clutch it on a really hot day. 

 

My car works fine cooling wise.

[janan5243]

I agree that an auto engine is designed to have a thermostat. Without one the water flows too fast thru block, not picking up enough heat from block & too fast thru radiator, not dissipating enough heat. As a young man, I removed the thermo from my 51 ford flathead because it was running hot. Lo & behold, it ran hotter. Was advised by best friend's Dad, owned & worked a service station for many years, that auto engines need thermostat. Had a problem with my 49 Desoto when temps  in NE got to mid 80s. Put in new 180 thermo, back flushed radiator & block & discovered that belt was loose. Had temp approach 212 once at light but as soon as I started moving it cooled right back down to 180. If I'm running over 55 & pull a long hill, it may go to 190. that's in mid 80s. Original thermo worked fine when tested. My problem was probably the belt but now I have new thermo & new 50/50 antifreeze. I am learning to check obvious things first.

[Jerry Roberts]

From a 1938 Dodge truck shop manual ;   Under Engine Temperature ,  In instances where the service of the truck requires frequent stops such as door to door delivery , it is recommended that the engine be operated at a higher temperature . This may be accomplished  by using a thermostat which opens at a higher temperature or by using a partial cover over the radiator grill , in order to reduce condensation in the crankcase sufficiently .     And in a prior paragraph it mentions the forward travel of the truck drawing fresh air into the breather pipe and out of the ventilator pipe . It also lists three types of anti freeze , denatured alcohol , methanol , and ethylene glycol . 

[thebeebe5]

Good information. Glad to have found this posting.

Edited June 16, 2015 by thebeebe5

[OlgaProtasova]

I have very strange temperature preferences. Sometimes you want to be in the warmth, but otherwise it is completely the opposite.  That's why I bought myself a thermostat. If you are also picky about the temperature and climate in the house, then the answer to your question is yes.

[Sniper]

?  Not talking about the temperature in your house.

[Booger]

wow good topic. my eyes never stray far from my gauges

who doesnt have a jug of water in their trunk?

Edited January 5, 2021 by michaelmarks697@yahoo.com
Spel

[Sam Buchanan]

Am I supposed to be carrying a jug of water in my P15??

[Plymouthy Adams]

1 minute ago, Sam Buchanan said:

Am I supposed to be carrying a jug of water in my P15??

well, at least tell the officer it is water then when pulled and inspected....