The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors Overflow problems using 1949 Harrison radiator

Bill,

Good information, especially about coolant level and coolant expansion in the radiator.

However,
" . . . also the standard thermostat is 160*F on all models, and the cap is 4# pressure on early trucks, 7# on later years
check your operators manual"
is a very sweeping statement.

- on all models ?
- early trucks vs later years ?

The thermostat settings and radiator caps differed over the Advance-Design years and over the model of trucks in given years (and over the years of 216/235/261 engines, 1937-1963).

However, as you state, a 160 degree thermostat is the most common or "standard" setting for trucks, especially in later 235/261 years; however, 0-7 degree pressure caps

I think that light duty & medium duty trucks had 0 (zero) pressure radiator caps until 1954. However, earlier COEs had pressure caps - check the 1951 Chevrolet Truck Operator's Manual.

Also, a 151 degree or 160 degree thermostat was recommended many years (at least for A-D trucks) but I think that warmer thermostats were recommended in some years for some models of trucks and/or for some types of service and/or for some types of coolants/anti-freeze.

It should also be noted that in the same years (1954 and later), passenger cars had different specs than trucks for the "standard" radiator pressure-caps (at least up to 13 lbs) and for the "standard" thermostat temperature (at least up to 180 degrees).

You advice about checking manuals is on the mark. Would you suggest that the safest reference for radiator-cap pressure and thermostat setting would most likely be the Owner's/Operator's Manual and the Shop/Maintenance Manual for the year of the truck/radiator (to match the pressure capabilities of the radiator and heater system)?

Tim

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1948_51truck/51ctsm0688.htm

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1948_51truck/51ctsm0682.htm

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1954truck/54ctsm0684.html

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1942_47/4247csm647.htm

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1955truck2/55ctsm06s09.htm

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyowner/58om29.htm