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THERMOSTAT QUESTION
  • TOM-WA-TOM-WA-
    Posts: 486Platinum Member
    NOW THAT IT HAS BEEN COLDER IT TAKES MUCH LONGER FOR THE CAR TO REACH OPERATING TEMPERATURE..
    THAT BEING SAID IT ALSO TAKES LONGER FOR IT TO COME TO TEMP TO HAVE THE HEATER WORK PROPERLY.

    IF I REPLACE THE THERMOSTAT TO FORCE THE TEMP TO RISE QUICKER DO I?
    INSTALL A THERMOSTAT WITH A LOWER OPENING TEMP?
    REDUCE THE COOLANT LEVEL..CURRENTLY AT 50/50

    THANKS
  • Geoff C., N.Z.Geoff C., N.Z.
    Posts: 2,270Platinum Member
    You need a higher temp thermostat. The coolant mix will make little difference
    If you're stuck in a hole, stop digging.
  • RodRod
    Posts: 98Senior Contributor
    I run a 180 thermostat year round in Florida. Once the thermostat opens fully, it makes no difference whether it was a 160 or a 180. The higher temp is better for the engine anyway. Regardless, the engine will be slow warming. There is a lot of iron and a lot of coolant there.
  • Park_WPark_W
    Posts: 2,052Platinum Member
    My '47 C8 temp needle is off the peg and the heater begins to produce warm air in only a mile. Meanwhile, on the Hornet I had to install Walt's bypass mod kit to get decent heat in the winter, and it still doesn't warm as quickly as the old Eight.
  • Tallent RTallent R
    Posts: 1,574Platinum Member
    Isnt that the funtion of the bypass type themostat - to get warm water for heat quicker ?
    Roger
    Retired Tech.
  • RonSRonS
    Posts: 611Platinum Member
    Tom, I have a 160 in Az but my 53 gives off a lot of heat fairly quickly. I still have the original system with an old style thermostat, But a new heater core,ie, 20 years ago. Once the water hits the opening temp it doesn't matter as Rod said, but a 180 will heat the water faster & keep it there, and the warmer the temp the more efficent the engine, hence the search for ceramic engines etc. that can withstand temps in the 240 range. One of the reasons old cars were so large was , that the occupants had to wear coats for much of the ride in order to avoid frostbite, ha-ha. Just a thought, You do have the cowl vent open, right?
  • Tallent RTallent R
    Posts: 1,574Platinum Member
    Yes ,primary importance to have the vent open - dont even need blower,
    Roger
    Retired Tech.
  • Oldfarmer1947gmailcomOldfarmer1947gmailcom
    Posts: 123Hitchhiker
    In my youth our Hudson Stepdowns were our everyday transportation. During the New England winter months, with recommended cooling fluids and a properly installed thermostat, a winter coat, hat and gloves were needed to keep warm. Due to the colder night time temperatures, I remember my mother's admonitions to my Dad, "to get on the road before dark".
    Oldfarmer1947@gmail.com
  • 1951hornethardtop
    Posts: 270Expert Adviser
    Believe or not, Hudson had one of the best heaters of most cars in their day. As a kid I remeber riding in pre stepdowns and later stepdowns. You could rise or lower the vent to increase the temperature of the air comming through the heater as you traveled down the road as well as the temperature control valve. I think the big defferents was that clothes in that day were made out of natural materials (wool or cotton) and not the polyesters of today. They kept you alot warmer than the plastics of today.I remember traveling to St Cloud, Minn. in January in my 52 Hornet in night time when the temp. was -28 and only wearing a long sleeve shirt and sweater with no coat and being comfortable driving
  • Tallent RTallent R
    Posts: 1,574Platinum Member
    I grew up riding in old Chevies mostly and when it was realy cold out the only thing was warm was the passengers feet.
    Roger
    Retired Tech.
  • 1951hornethardtop
    Posts: 270Expert Adviser
    LOL Tallent, I know what you mean. Father had a 48 Chevy. Traded a 46 Hudson for it. Drove it for a short time and traded for a 51 Super six. One and only Chevy. LOL One other thing about the old days which has nothing to do with car heaters. Like what was mention earlier. You dressed for the weather when you drove. Knowing how to change a tire in sub zero wheather was as inportant as knowing how to start a car.Those tube tires in those years would go flat at anytime in all kinds of weather.
  • J SpencerJ Spencer
    Posts: 367Gold Member
    My 51 Pacemaker throws heat very quickly. I have a factory 160 degree stat in it. Actually gives heat faster than my 02 LeSabre. Now my 53 ford way back when was another story BRRRR!
  • TOM-WA-TOM-WA-
    Posts: 486Platinum Member
    IF A THERMOSTAT IS DEFECTIVE AND STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION WILL THAT PREVENT
    THE CAR FROM REACHING OPERATING TEMPERATURE AND THUS ALSO MAKE THE HEATER NOT OPERATE PROPERLY?
  • Tallent RTallent R
    Posts: 1,574Platinum Member
    It doesnt even need to be stuck . On some what seems like minor leakage can cause issues. In particular the type with the cone or butterfly type valve,
    Roger
    Retired Tech.
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