39 Thermostats

[charles in east texas]

Do 39 thermostats go in the head or in the hose at radiator?
What is the ideal fuel pressure to carburator for a stock 53 V/8?
Thanks, Charles

 

[ford38v8]

'39 stats drop into the head, flush with the top of the hose bib, held there by contact of the hose itself, being of the same diameter as the hose.

Ideal fuel pressure for all stock flathead Fords is between 2 and 3 pounds. Less than 1 pound will not consistently open the needle valve, starving the engine, and more than 4 pounds will hold that valve open, flooding the carburetor.

 

[charles in east texas]

Thanks,
I was told they went in the hose at the radiator, but I didn't think that was right.
2-3 pounds fuel pressure. Thanks again, Charles

 

[ford38v8]

Charles, I believe there is an aftermarket thermostat that goes in that location, but the stock Ford unit would be at the head.
I would think that a radiator location would be much less responsive than the location close to the source of the generated heat, but what do I know?