The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Heater Hoses

I would like to get a definitive answer about the routing of the heater hoses if you do not use a heater. I have a 49 pickup and want to smooth out my firewall. I will not be using a heater at all. Will it divert the flow of coolant if I simple plug up the hole in the water pump and the one in the thermostat housing or do I need to use a small hose to connect these two openings. I know nothing about the water jacket and how it flows, also do I need to install an over flow container for the radiator, I seem to be losing radiator fluid and it appears to ne coming out of the over flow tube running down the side of the radiator. I do not have a thermostat in my system at this time, is necessary to run one? As you all can see I do need some advice on this cooling system thing, sure would appreciate any help on this subject. Thanks

You can put plugs in the outlets for the hoses. An o-flow bottle is a good idea. Use a 4 or 7 lb. pressure cap. You need to run a therm. A 160 or 180 degree.

definitive answer: plugs would have been factory for no heater, so there's no need for looping a hose

yes, you really should have a thermostat, the system was designed for one, for one thing it restricts the flow until the stat temp setting is reached, that is, it sets the minimum temp the engine operates at .... if you're constantly topping up the coolant you're likely filling it too much [common], it needs room for expansion, so cold leave it 1-2" down, a bit less when hot, but any time you fill it right up it'll spit some out when it gets up to temp

Bill

Thanks, that's what I needed to hear