T-stat sticking partially closed???

[James W.]

I am suspicious that the thermostat on my '64 Corvette with 327/300 may be sticking and causing the car to run warmer than usual. Today it registered about 190 on the gauge driving in town and on the highway. Ambient temp was 82 degrees. Just completed a coolant change and all hoses replaced before leaving for KC. I did not change the t-stat and installed the same one back in with the water flow going from the radiator to intake manifold. That is the right direction for normal water flow... correct???


Thanks,

James West

[Joe L.]

Re: T-stat sticking partially closed???

I am suspicious that the thermostat on my '64 Corvette with 327/300 may be sticking and causing the car to run warmer than usual. Today it registered about 190 on the gauge driving in town and on the highway. Ambient temp was 82 degrees. Just completed a coolant change and all hoses replaced before leaving for KC. I did not change the t-stat and installed the same one back in with the water flow going from the radiator to intake manifold. That is the right direction for normal water flow... correct???


Thanks,

James West

James------

190 degrees on an 82 degree day does not sound unusual to me.

The thermostat should be installed with the end with the spring oriented DOWN.

I prefer Robertshaw-style thermostats.

[James W.]

Re: T-stat sticking partially closed???

Joe,

Does the coolant flow from the to radiator outlet to the intake manifold? I installed the t-stat orient so that when you pressed on it it would open towards the ground or into the intake manifold.

James

James------

190 degrees on an 82 degree day does not sound unusual to me.

The thermostat should be installed with the end with the spring oriented DOWN.

I prefer Robertshaw-style thermostats.

[Mike T.]

Re: T-stat sticking partially closed???

James - I also think your 190 on an 82 degree day sounds okay. Have you verified the temps with an IR gun? If you feel the engine is running warmer than before under these conditions, what temps have you seen in the past? By the way, the flow of coolant is 'out' of the engine at the top and back 'into' the engine at the bottom.

[John F.]

Re: T-stat sticking partially closed???

You can test it on the stove in a pan of water. It should open before the water boils.

[Domenic T.]

Re: T-stat sticking partially closed???

I've read a few posts lately and it just came to me that all (equal temp) thermostats do not have the same sized outlets.
They do not all pass the same amount of coolant to the radiator when fully open.

DOM

[Joe L.]

Re: T-stat sticking partially closed???

I've read a few posts lately and it just came to me that all (equal temp) thermostats do not have the same sized outlets.
They do not all pass the same amount of coolant to the radiator when fully open.

DOM

DOM------


That's why I recommend the Robertshaw type.

[Steven B.]

Re: T-stat sticking partially closed???

Joe,Does the coolant flow from the to radiator outlet to the intake manifold? I installed the t-stat orient so that when you pressed on it it would open towards the ground or into the intake manifold.James

James, pointy end up. Steve

[James W.]

Re: T-stat sticking partially closed???

Thanks to all who have replied. From memory I did install the t-stat with the pointy side up. I am wondering if my fan clutch is starting to go? I am also going to re-check the timing.

Thanks again,

James West