Re: Thermostat Question

[David Nock <healeydoc@sbcglobal.net>]

The sleeved thermostats that we were supplying were not available for a 
while. We now have them in stock again.

There is a big problem that we have found with the bellows style 
thermostat. If you have upgraded the cooling system and are using a 
higher pressure radiator cap than original. The problem is that the 
higher pressure will cause the thermostat to close. Then the engine 
temperature goes up and you have a overheating problem. So be careful 
it you are using a bellows type thermostat with a radiator cap that has 
more than 7 lbs pressure you will have a overheating problem. The other 
problem with the bellows style thermostat is that when it fails and all 
thermostats will eventually, the bellows style will fail CLOSED. The 
wax capsul style thermostats are designed to fail in the open position.

They both will do the same job when installed, they will close off the 
bypass allowing all the coolant to flow thru the radiator. The bypass 
is the to allow the coolant to flow around the block when the 
thermostat is closed. All engines have one somewhere. The 4 cylinder 
Healey motors the bypass is built into the block thru the water pump.


David Nock
British Car Specialists
Stockton Ca 95205
209-948-8767

www.britishcarspecialists.com