Correct thermostat

[sgtjd]

Need some advice on the correct thermostat for a 351C 2V engine. I’ve seen both 180 and 190 degree thermostats out there. Which one is the best to keep the engine cool and any other information that would help.

 

[Jim and Jutta]

I'm running a 180 degree with no issues. Just make sure you get a thermostat for a 351C not the one for the 351W, some parts places will tell you it makes no difference but it does.

 

[c9zx]

+1 on J and J posting. This may help. http://www.7173mustangs.com/thread-ever-wonder-why?highlight=thermostat

180 is what I run currently in the 408C. On a stock or near stock engine the 192 will work fine if the rest of the cooling system is functioning properly. Chuck

 

[goodnigh]

Yes, make sure the thermostat is for a Cleveland, there is a big difference. I am running a 180.

Here is a brief article about the difference.

http://351cleveland.wetpaint.com/page/proper+351c+thermostat

mike

 

[droptop73]

Ditto on the 180 degree.

 

[goodnigh]

One benefit of the Cleveland having large intake and exhaust ports is to help keep

the engine cool, more airflow through the manifolds. That is why the intake

manifold is dry.

mike

 

[Don C]

Make sure you have the brass restrictor plate, if you're using a stock style water pump. Some after market ones apparently do not need the restrictor or the Cleveland specific thermostat. Summit part number BRA-333-180 used to include the 180 degree t-stat and the brass restrictor, but I don't see any mention of the restrictor, now.

The 180 Stant numbers are 29468 & 13468, 192 are 29469 & 13469.

 

[sgtjd]

Nice info I picked up a 180 from Mr Gasket which states its for regular and Higher RPM engines. Thanks a bunch

 

[Wolverine]

351C Thermostat...

Prior to using a CLEVELAND TYPE thermostat, make sure you have a

351C Coolant Bypass Restrictor Plate in your motor. If your motor has ever been hot tanked(typical during a rebuild), chances are this plate has been removed/destroyed during the process.

If you do not have a restrictor plate, then you need to get one of these:

http://www.cougarpartscatalog.com/waterrestrictplate.html

This plate will work with the NON 351C thermostat.

Here is a description from the web page:

===============

It has been an accepted fact for decades now that the 351 Cleveland bypass system was not the greatest idea Ford ever came up with. The unique 351c thermostat "hat" never seals well, causing a certain portion of coolant to just circulate through the block and never make it to the radiator. Years ago, the Pantera enthusiasts (all Panteras had cooling issues from the factory BTW) found that if they soldiered a penny into the hole in their restriction plate and used a standard small block Ford thermostat, their cooling issues all but disappeared. That trick worked fine until Ford discontinued the brass restrictor plate. This aluminum unit is designed to be installed as-is in conjunction with a standard thermostat , you cannot use the 351 Cleveland unique thermostat with this block off plate. The tiny hole in the center is for air bleed only.

=================

Even with this, I do not understand the comment "worked find until Ford discontinued the brass restrictor plate".

 

[73vertproject]

Great info, Z. I thought the same thing when I read that about the restrictor/restriction plate. Why would Ford discontinue it?

 

[not2old]

I have thumping after shutdown and this sounds like a cure. The only difference is my temp runs normal on the gauge with a 192 t-stat. But how does any coolant get past the restictor? Looks like it completely blocks the coolant

Alan L

 

[Wolverine]

I have thumping after shutdown and this sounds like a cure. The only difference is my temp runs normal on the gauge with a 192 t-stat. But how does any coolant get past the restictor? Looks like it completely blocks the coolant

Alan L

1. Thumping after shut down would be due to residual heat in the heads, and the water boiling off to take care of the residual heat.

2. Assure you have a good cap(piece of crap radiator cap vendors these days).

3. I don't have my motor here. But the restrictor actually functions is as a BYPASS. It is shaped to match the can type thermostat, so when the thermostat gets hot and opens, the BYPASS HOLE is sealed by the thermostat and this passage is closed. Water then goes through the thermostat instead of the bypass, and the radiator is now part of the circulation system.

Normally, the water pump draws water from the bottom of the radiator and pushes it through the motor. However, if the thermostat is closed, the pump is unable to draw this water. Instead, it pulls water from that little hose on top. That little hose is pulling water from the bypass hole.

When the bypass hole is closed(thermostat open), then the pump can pull water from the bottom of the radiator.

Is this horse dead yet?

IT IS HARD TO VISUALIZE. When I build my motor I will see if I can get some video of this because I should be able to look into the thermostat housing on the engine and turn my water pump and see water circulating.

 

[Manu Mach1]

Hello everyone,

As it's winter now, I noticed that my engine water temp is not going up to 60 degres celsius, 140 F.

Last summer with high temp which is not very warm here compare to some places in the States, was up to 104 F.

Soon I will do some maintenance and I guess the thermostat has been removed. So I will buy a new one and also the brass restrictor.

Question: on this article

http://www.cougarpartscatalog.com/waterr...plate.html

there are two restrictors, one with a small hole in the middle, and the other one with a bigger hole. Which one do we need to use?

Thanks for helping.

 

[TommyK]

Hello everyone,

As it's winter now, I noticed that my engine water temp is not going up to 60 degres celsius, 140 F.

Last summer with high temp which is not very warm here compare to some places in the States, was up to 104 F.

Soon I will do some maintenance and I guess the thermostat has been removed. So I will buy a new one and also the brass restrictor.

Question: on this article

http://www.cougarpartscatalog.com/waterr...plate.html

there are two restrictors, one with a small hole in the middle, and the other one with a bigger hole. Which one do we need to use?

Thanks for helping.

The one with the larger hole is the original restrictor plate which presses into the block. It is essential when using an original Cleveland Tstat and maintains the factory design coolant bypass feature.

The one with the small hole eliminates the coolant bypass and allows the use of a more commonly found Windsor Tstat.

 

[Manu Mach1]

Hello everyone,

As it's winter now, I noticed that my engine water temp is not going up to 60 degres celsius, 140 F.

Last summer with high temp which is not very warm here compare to some places in the States, was up to 104 F.

Soon I will do some maintenance and I guess the thermostat has been removed. So I will buy a new one and also the brass restrictor.

Question: on this article

http://www.cougarpartscatalog.com/waterr...plate.html

there are two restrictors, one with a small hole in the middle, and the other one with a bigger hole. Which one do we need to use?

Thanks for helping.

The one with the larger hole is the original restrictor plate which presses into the block. It is essential when using an original Cleveland Tstat and maintains the factory design coolant bypass feature.

The one with the small hole eliminates the coolant bypass and allows the use of a more commonly found Windsor Tstat.

Thanks, I will receive soon (next year) the parts.

 

[Bill73Ragtop]

I have thumping after shutdown and this sounds like a cure. The only difference is my temp runs normal on the gauge with a 192 t-stat. But how does any coolant get past the restictor? Looks like it completely blocks the coolant

Alan L

I see this is an older post, but "thumping after shutdown" can indicate a head gasket installed incorrectly. Cleveland head gaskets only install one way. As I recall, you should be able to see an "F" on the top front of the gasket sticking out at the front of the block if installed correctly.