temperature gauge

sphooch

sphooch

Senior Member
Hi guys,just completed the installation of my temperature gauge , now all I need to know is what temp. should i be looking at for normal ?? thanks THE HOOCH
 
160 plus a few degrees without thermostat.

I would think 212 would be to high with thermostat. 180 might be right with thermostat. In all the years I have been driving Model A’s, I have never found a good reason to use one.

Just my opinion.
 
The big concern when running without a T-stat in very cold conditions (like now in NJ - been there, Exit 13) is accelerated engine wear due to the engine never warming up to normal (160+) temperature. Easy enough to install/remove a T-stat in the rad hose. Let us know what you discover.
 
Kurt in NJ said:
Adding a thermostat allowed me to close gav more, got 2.5 mpg increase, and oil stays cleaner longer
Click to expand...

I agree with Kurt in NJ. Here in Southern California my engine ran at ~150°F on a cool day, even with 50/50 Peak antifreeze. Now the engine is much happier. Even in a parade it only gets to 180°F.
 
Last year I had a local shop shoot my engine and it was at 180 and I was as happy as could be as I was going on a 200 mile round trip.
 
I run one of the Vintage Precision thermostat housings on my 28 and it’s great.
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The plugs on the back are for easy temp gauge hookup as well.
 
Mulletwagon said:
The big concern when running without a T-stat in very cold conditions (like now in NJ - been there, Exit 13) is accelerated engine wear due to the engine never warming up to normal (160+) temperature. Easy enough to install/remove a T-stat in the rad hose. Let us know what you discover.
Click to expand...

Back when, we used a winter front or cardboard.
 
I run a thermostat in the winter but take it out in summer, or use my modified thermostat with drilled holes in the flange to increase coolant flow.

The motometer at the radiator cap seldom indicates unless the coolant is getting really hot. It is really a "I am getting ready to boil over" indicator.
 
Anything over 190, even in the summer, is not normal. Mine rarely gets over 180 with a thermostat. You are running hotter than you need to if you are over 190. Something is not working efficiently.
 
Good Morning...I also run the Vintage Precision thermostat and really like it. In Arizona Desert the engine runs between 170 and 180. The unit comes with a more expensive thermostat and it works great. It damn near looks stock! Ernie in Arizona
 
I have found that not all temp gauges are accurate. Shoot you radiator with a laser temp tool to see.
 
I have for a long time suspected that the T/stats sold by vendors are not accurate. After testing a few on the stove, I found they were too often as much as 20°F out.
IMO, we and the vendors would all be better off if they were of a better quality.
 
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