The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 261 thermostat housing on a 235 engine

update....I ordered a t-stat from O Reilly's and it came in damaged it looked like someone cut the brass bushing trying to make it fit something so they ordered me another one. The same day I thought I would try NAPA and ordered me one and at least I figured I would have a back up if both fit. Today I picked up the NAPA one and its part number is 155 (180 degrees F/82 degrees C) made by Stant for NAPA. It fit perfectly. On my way home I stopped at O Reilly's and the second one came in with out the T-stat and the brass ring was bent. Its part number is MotoRad Heavy Duty - Thermostat Line: MCS | Part # 4005-80.

I now see how the t-stat operates with the brass ring or bushing not really sure how to call it. The thermostat is normal and the brass ring had two cut outs where the t-stat meets that allowed water to flow to the upper thermostat housing to the by-pass port and not to the radiator until it t-stat opens and lets water flow into the radiator. My application will work perfectly because the by pass port will be my second gauge port which will be in the stream of the water flow and not interfering with the operation of the thermostat. (yes the mechanical gauge will work and yes I will route the mechanical gauge away from touching any hot motor or rotating parts to avoid any damage).

The only thing missing now is the gasket for where the upper and lower thermostat housing meet. (I can all make one of not available) I have the parts numbers for the gasket where the lower t-stat housing meets the head.

If anyone has the part number for the upper / lower t-stat housing please let me know.

Hey Sweet if you ever into Vegas area I'll treat you to a buffet.

Ok thanks guys