Thermostat Problems

[Lowend]

How are you testing the thermostats you’ve had?

 

[Bandit723]

I had (2) Mr gasket high flow thermostats fail , they both failed partially closed causing the engine to run hot . Swapped to a AC Delco thermostat and also drilled (4) 1/8th inch holes as per @G72Zed , No more cooling problems !!

I had the same issue with the High Flow Mr Gasket t-stat. Googled it seems to be a common problem.

 

[COPO]

I’m using 180* AC Delco stats from the 60’s or 70’s from my Dad’s stash. They work great. No Chinese garbage here.

 

[boltupal]

Stop putting them in upside down.LOL

 

[72'z'steve]

I’m using 180* AC Delco stats from the 60’s or 70’s from my Dad’s stash. They work great. No Chinese garbage here.

Wealth of knowledge there,I know some guys hate ebay but there is alot of "new" items from the days that things were made in USA,MUCH cheaper than chinesium replacements.I rebuilt a snowblower for one of my tractors and was able to locate all the correct flange bearings in "nos" boxes made in USA from the 80's,greasable and a few bucks cheaper even with shipping than china specials at local bearing house [with my company discount too].Some things don't wear out/go bad sitting on a shelf.others do,but there are alot of of regular folks selling "regular" stuff on ebay,just need to weed thru the crazy ebay wallet drainers! Later Steve!!

 

[Brian H.O. Cornelius]

Who sells a good dependable thermostat that actually work and open up on the degrees they are designated for? Ive literally tried 4 different brands from the auto parts stores and none of them work. Some dont even open up at all.I have a small block 350. What brand do yall recommend?

Most thermostats stick because pressure builds before they can open. I have found this does not happen with a High Flow Robertshaw Style Thermostat. Also I once made the mistake of putting one in upside down because I was in a rush not having the thermistor on the correct side.

 

[G72Zed]

Most thermostats stick because pressure builds before they can open. I have found this does not happen with a High Flow Robertshaw Style Thermostat.

And will also not happen with a regular thermostat after carefully drilling 3 to 5 holes with a 1/8 drill bit on the outside edge. It's easy to find and modify the correct temp stat then getting these "high flow" ones. And you will know when it starts to stick open or closed as the temps will vary compared to what was normal.

I have an E-RPM "high flow" water pump, 1:1 ratio, rear cylinder cooling lines and car is used on track and high RPM's for 30 minute run's, I have never used any of these "high flow" fancy thermostats, guess I never saw the need. Maybe I'm missing something.

 

[CorkyE]

Also I once made the mistake of putting one in upside down because I was in a rush not having the thermistor on the correct side.

You're not the first one to make that mistake.

 

[73Motion]

Robert Shaw working great in my new BBC build. Comes with the holes already in place. No need to drill. Tested it before install in one of the wife’s pans and a thermometer.

 

[maguyvr]

Who sells a good dependable thermostat that actually work and open up on the degrees they are designated for? Ive literally tried 4 different brands from the auto parts stores and none of them work. Some dont even open up at all.I have a small block 350. What brand do yall recommend?

As an auto technician for over 40 years I have found that if the engine has an internal combustion leak the hot gasses will collect and fool the thermostat which can keep it from opening even as the engine is overheating.