| |
Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| | | Forums66 Topics128,087 Posts1,056,344 Members48,442 | | Most Online14,466
Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
| | THANKS!
For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down
with Ads!  Again, thanks!
| | | | Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 1,321 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 1,321 | What is the correct thermostat for (1946) 216 engine?
Any suggestions as to brand name ?
Thanks.
Harold
Harold
Is a restoration ever finished? | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,826 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,826 | Depending on how much heat you want the heater to produce, go with a 160 or a 180 degree stat. Brand name isn't really important, as virtually everything these days is made in some 3rd. world country, no matter whose name they slap on the box! Drill a 1/8" hole in the flat part of the thermostat if it doesn't have a vent hole already- - - -it makes it much easier to fill the radiator when the engine is cold.
A stat with higher than a 180 rating isn't appropriate foe low pressure or no-pressure cooling systems- - -too much risk of getting more pressure than the radiator and heater corer can stand.
Jerry
Last edited by Hotrod Lincoln; 02/16/2014 1:16 AM.
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 1,321 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 1,321 | Jerry.
Thanks for your response.
Harold
Harold
Is a restoration ever finished? | | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,214 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,214 | I ran a 160 all last spring,summer & fall with out any problems. Temps avg'ed under 180 even on the hottest days.
I went to a 180 come winter for 2 different reasons.
1) To cut down on condensation buildup in the valve cover.
2) I saw an old Jim Handy film on youtube which indicated that these old stovebolts were designed to run at 180 degrees.
The 180 did cut down on the condensation buildup and the temps have been avg'ing right at 180 this winter which gives me real good cab heat.
I've kept the 160 just in case my old 216 runs hot come 90 d+egree summer days.
Dave
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2013 Posts: 14 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Sep 2013 Posts: 14 | What pressure cap do you use with the 180 thermostat? | | | | | Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,747 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,747 | Same radiator cap works fine with 160 and 180. 0 pressure cap on old radiators(pre-47?) and a low 4-7 for newer say 47 to 58? 15 Lb for 195 to prevent boil over. If you have a good radiator. I have run more modern, say 1967 and up with a 180 no problems, but for systems designed for higher temps, you might run a bit rich, and new stuff has to pass emissions testing, so stick with what the manuf. suggests.
Steve H
| | |
|
|
| |
