170 degree thermostat

[rumrumm]

Does anybody make a 170 degree thermostat for a Chevy SB? The parts stores around here only have a 160 and a 180. The 160 does not run warm enough (about 172 cruising down the road) and the 180 runs too hot with the air on (210). The 170 should be about right. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Dave]

Does anybody make a 170 degree thermostat for a Chevy SB? The parts stores around here only have a 160 and a 180. The 160 does not run warm enough (about 172 cruising down the road) and the 180 runs too hot with the air on (210). The 170 should be about right. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

210 shouldnt hur ya Lynn.. I dont guess ive ever seen a 170 but that dont meAN they dont make em..
Dave

[t-vicky]

I know they make them for small block Ford. I just took one out of my econoline PU.  It made it run at 200. put in a 180 that made it run 190. Drilled a 1/8 hole in it, made it run 185. Im stopping right there.

[rumrumm]

I think I may try to modify my 180 thermostat by drilling two 1/8 inch holes in it and see if that drops it 10 degrees. I saw this mentioned on another website some time ago. I'd rather be running around 200 degrees than 210.

[phat rat]

well one question. Is the gauge right?

[rumrumm]

Yes, I'm sure the gauge is right. Dakota digital with the sender located beneath the thermostat in a spacer between the intake and the water neck.

[Pope Downunder]

I think I may try to modify my 180 thermostat by drilling two 1/8 inch holes in it and see if that drops it 10 degrees. I saw this mentioned on another website some time ago. I'd rather be running around 200 degrees than 210.

I had a few problems with my 180 degree thermostat and widely fluctuating temps.  To me it seemed too '*'; either open or shut.  I read about the 1/8" hole idea as well.  My 'theory' is that it traps an air or steam bubble under the thermostat and it therefore remains closed until it suddenly snaps open and a ruch of cool water comes through.

Anyway, I drilled the 1/8" hole and it improved.  Later, I fitted an overflow tube and that made a big difference.  This is a similar issue, as the design of the '32 radiator does not allow it to be completely filled you end up with air over the top tank.  This air is compressible; unlike water.  So, when it shuts down the air expands and forces some water out. More air makes it worse.

Anyway, to cut the rant down, the combination of the 1/8" hole and the overflow tank made a tremendous difference.  The temp is much more stable and it does not 'burp' water.

[rumrumm]

Always glad to help out a fellow rodder. Glad it worked for you.

[Deuce]

I am using a 180 now in the roadster ... a Robert Shaw thermostat modified by Stewarts ... with the two small holes drilled opposite of each other. Roadster runs 180 ... all the time  

.

They fix a lot of water pumps and such for the NASCAR boys around here.

http://www.stewartcomponents.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=305&Category_Code=Therm



The thermostat in the above photo had not yet been changed out. It was a standard issue Chevy crate motor thermostat.



Chevrolet has a " air bleed valve " for purging the system. It originally came on some Camaros ... but I always install one on my water pump. It allows me to bleed the system of air . Helps my SBC run right on the thermostat. I have used the 195 also. For cars a  heater ... Runs on the thermostat also.

The 195 runs right on 195 in the 32 3W ... but just sitting in the shop ... no miles on the 3W yet.



Will install the body in the next few weeks ...  

[Dave]

Tell me bout that vent valve :?:  :?:  Ive never heard of that and i run nuttin but chevys :?:  :?:
Dave

[Deuce]

Tell me bout that vent valve :?:  :?:  Ive never heard of that and i run nuttin but chevys :?:  :?:
Dave

Part number is # 10070107

When using a raised water pump ( so you can run a large mechanical fan ) the water pump housing is above the thermostat housing and air wants to get trapped. The vent allows you to bled the system. The valve was originally on some of the Camaros that have the real low nose ( sheet metal ) and the radiator is lower that the thermostat ... ( some Corvettes also I have been told )

I have more photos of it and the water pump in this small photo journal.

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/journal.php?action=view&journalid=3880&page=1&reverse=1

[Crosley.In.AZ]

Tell me bout that vent valve :?:  :?:  Ive never heard of that and i run nuttin but chevys :?:  :?:
Dave

used frequently on FWD cars too.