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Topic: Thermostat Question

in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems


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Thermostat Question (1/5)
 6/24/08 6:28pm
77 Red Corvette
Former Member

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Joined: 3/23/2008
Posts: 81

Hi,
I am in the process of re-installing my intake manifold and I am wondering if I need to install the thermostat.  My '77 vette is driven only in the summer time, not in the spring or winter.
 
I want to run the engine cooler to keep the interior cooler and to run the air-conditioner more effectively. 
 
With thermostat installed last year, the temp gauge read ~ 200 °F. 
Without the thermostat, to temporarily to flush the cooling system, the temp gage read ~180 °F.
 
Any problems with doing this?
 
Thanx!
Anni and her "Demon"
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Thermostat Question (2/5)
 6/24/08 7:49pm
kstyerLifetime Member
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!


Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424

Yes.   The thermostat also acts like a restrictor when it's fully open.   At some engine speeds and temperatures, it's okay to go without.
 
BUT, under some conditions, the unrestricted flow actually goes into and out of the radiator too fast.  The result is the coolant never cools off.  It gets through the radiator so fast it's still hot comming out of the radiator.  As a result, you can overheat.
 
Also remember when a thermostat opens at 180, it's open.  Any temp above that is a function of the heat created and the cooling system balancing out.   if the engine ran at 200 for an example,  it would still run at 200 if it had a 195, 180, or 160 thermostat.
Thermostat Question (3/5)
 6/24/08 8:35pm
77 Red Corvette
Former Member

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Joined: 3/23/2008
Posts: 81

Thanx for your input!
 
I never thought that it also acts like a restrictor when it's fully open. I do not want to take a chance and have it over heat so I will reconnect it just to be on the safe side.
 
Anni Wink
Thermostat Question (4/5)
 6/24/08 8:44pm
kstyerLifetime Member
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!


Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424

Many race cars do not want to risk a thermostat failure, so they put a washer in place of the stat, with a hole drilled in it to create the same opening.   It provides the necessary restriction, but does take longer to warm up.
Thermostat Question (5/5)
 6/25/08 9:45am
my7t1Lifetime Member
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Dorr, MI - USA

Vette(s):
71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp


Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 2581

[QUOTE=kstyer]Yes.   The thermostat also acts like a restrictor when it's fully open.   At some engine speeds and temperatures, it's okay to go without.
 
BUT, under some conditions, the unrestricted flow actually goes into and out of the radiator too fast.  The result is the coolant never cools off.  It gets through the radiator so fast it's still hot comming out of the radiator.  As a result, you can overheat.
 
Also remember when a thermostat opens at 180, it's open.  Any temp above that is a function of the heat created and the cooling system balancing out.   if the engine ran at 200 for an example,  it would still run at 200 if it had a 195, 180, or 160 thermostat.
[/QUOTE]
 
Man Ken, I've been in the cooling system business for 37 years and I couldn't have said it better. The myth that I hear often is the lower the t-stat temp., the cooler the engine will run.  Not true under high RPMS.


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