Re: Thermostats

[Steve Stegmann <stegmann@domain.elided>]

Greg,

The part number I used is 370-180.  370 is the pattern, the last three
digits are the temperature.  I seem to remember that AutoZone had 170 or
180 or 190 degree versions.

When you take the stat housing open look down in there.  You will see the
bypass passage and the valve seat to close it off.  The RS stat has a
brass can on the back.  It moves with the stat valve.  When the stat opens
it backs up against the seat cast in the stat housing, cutting off the
huge bypass.  At idle with this passage wide open there isn't enough flow
through the radiator to cool the engine.  I assume this bypass is to
insure circulation when the stat is closed.  This would be to prevent
hotspots as the engine warms or in very cold weather when the stat is
mostly closed.

My temp would start to climb after about 5 min of just standing still
idling.  It was scary to drive where you might get stuck in traffic, much
less be moving slow off road.  Now I don't even think about it.

Compare the Stant and the RObertshaw when you get it.  It will be
immediately obvious.

Steve

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Steven A. Stegmann
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