Check out http://auto.howstuffworks.com/cooling-system8.htm. There are a lot of urban legends, old wifes tales, etc. about what a thermostat does, how it does it, and why not elimitate one altogether (works sometimes but not a good idea). The thermostat's job is to HEAT the engine, not cool it. Once the DESIRED operating temp is reached (via the rating of the stat) it's simply taking up space (so-to-speak). You're correct about the temperatures available, for our cars there are 160, 180, and 192/195 (depending on who makes it).
I put a PRC aluminum radiator in my 67 SS to help cool it down. With the standard 3-core w/shroud and 160 stat, it ran 180-190 on the highway. Stopping at a toll both, the temp would climb very quickly to 210-220 range. Obviously not enough air flow or coolant flow. With the aluminum radiator (same stat and no shroud) and Vintage Air (off) it runs 150-160 on the highway and slowly creeps up to 190-200 at a toll both. With the air on, it'll run 170-180 on the highway and creep up to 200-220 at a toll both. With the old raditor, it would take some time to cool back down. With the aluminum one, it cools back down to 'normal' temp in a few car lengths. If a 160 stat never closed (as you've been told), the coolant would continue to flow normally. Unless you've got a high pressure water pump, you're not going to be forcing the water through the radiator faster than it's capability to cool it. Naturally, if you don't have the capacity or capability to cool the water (system clogged, radiator too small, etc.) it's not going to run cool with any degree stat. Dale McIntosh TC Gold #92/ACES #1709 67SS/67 Elky > Subject: Re: [Chevelle-List] Fan clutch or not > > > If the stat is already a 180 which is may or may not be, I > can only go down to a 160 right?? There is nothing between a > 160 and a 180 stat is there?? I have been told that a 160 > stat would never close and would alway be open which would > cause it to over heat. The water would never stay in the > radiator enough to cool>>>>????? Keith ----------------------------------------------------- To Unsubscribe please visit www.chevelles.net/list.html To start a new topic, send mail to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
