First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List ......................................................................... I agree that a completely cold engine will run worse than a steady state temp engine, however, as I mentioned - when you are running an older car in a warm climate the time it takes to get to steady state is not very long(minutes). Thus, there is no real advantage to running a Tstat. The difference between a 195 and a 180 Tstat will not noticibly improve combustion efficiency in an engine, which will typically run this hot at steady state. As long as the flow rate is sufficient to keep the engine cool, its actual value doesn't matter.
I agree on the coolant ratio.... Mark Lueker 308 SYSTEMS Inc. 970-282-7006 www.308systems.com -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]on Behalf Of Pete D Sent: Monday, August 24, 2009 8:16 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: [FGF] cooling question First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List ......................................................................... From: "Mlueker" "Also, a Tstat does not perceptibly slow down coolant flowing in the engine, thus pulling out a Tstat will not impact heat transfer." Really, that's the first time I've heard that. Do you happen to know the flow characteristics of the T-stat when fully open? If I recall it's less than the volume of the radiator hose. Everything I've read over the years suggests there's more negatives than advantages when running sans T-stat. I realize these are considered muscle cars, but those that are concerned about combustion efficiency and emissions should retain the t-stat. The higher the head temp the cleaner engines run. As mentioned the Powertrain Engineers use a t-stat to get the engine up to temp ASAP. Also, just a reminder, these engines are sensitive to the coolant to water ratio - 50/50 seems to work best. PeteJD E/M Engineer Lic. A&P Mechanic ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Submissions to Firebird-L: <[email protected]> Unsubscribe from Firebird-L: <[email protected]> Help: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/firebird/Firebird-L.html> Classifieds: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/ubb/> Owner Pictures: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/show/> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Submissions to Firebird-L: <[email protected]> Unsubscribe from Firebird-L: <[email protected]> Help: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/firebird/Firebird-L.html> Classifieds: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/ubb/> Owner Pictures: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/show/>
