Hi Mark,
Just a note about thermostats. During the 80s and even into the 90s (before
I temporarily stepped away from automotive endeavours) thermostats had one
of the highest rates of improper function out of the box of all aftermarket
parts sold. That is to say that high percentages (like 2 to 5 percent) of
brand new thermostats would not open properly at the proper temperature.
Either not open al the way, open early or not open at all. I don't know if
manufacturing tolerances or end-user tolerance has changed this or not. I
remain skepticall.
It only takes 10 minutes, a pot, water and a thermometer to test a
thermostat. It is time well spent. Just put the thermostat and thermometer
in the pot of heating water. High heat until you get to just below your
thermostats stated openeing temperature, then lower the flame and go slow.
Thermostats don't open or close quickly. Then watch the thermostat and
thermometer as the temp slowly rises. When you notice that the thermometer
is opening (once again, it is gradual) try to maintain the water temp.
Usually by the time you have noticed that the thermostat has begun to open
the temperature of the water has risen a few degrees. But don't worry. It
will give you a relatively good idea of whether it is working properly or
not and at roughly at what temperature. Then I turn off the flame and watch
as the water cools.
OK, so maybe not 10 minutes. Maybe 20, but still worth it IMHO. I
overheated a TR6 in the 80s due to a brand new thermostat, which led me to
researching the subject back then.
And also keep in mind that three different temperature thermostats have been
made for the TR6s. I believe at least two are still made. I run a 165 in
my 1969 massaged motor. I believe 185 was original.
Good luck.
Sincerely,
Dave Herbert
>From: "Creamer, Mark" <CreamerM@cintas.com>
>Reply-To: "Creamer, Mark" <CreamerM@cintas.com>
>To: <6pack@autox.team.net>
>Subject: Running Cool
>Date: Thu, 5 Jun 2003 15:49:34 -0400
>
>Interesting "problem"...I changed the coolant (flush/refill, etc.) and also
>replaced the thermostat,
>because I wasn't sure how old the one in it was, and didn't want it to fail
>at
>an inopportune moment.
>Driving today for the first time since that change, I noticed my temp gauge
>never rose more than like
>a 1/8 on the scale, where it used to be above 1/4.
>
>So may I have a problem with this thermo, or is this a "good" thing?
>Note...the heater is working well
>- weather was cold coming in to work this morning but my feet were toasty
>
>Mark Creamer
>CF53032UO
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