Steel T-stat housing for '71 351C (now: Converting to 45 degree housing)

[cudak888]

Title says all. While I'm in the process of sandblasting my existing T-stat tube, I thought I'd put the feelers out for a better one - just in case.

-Kurt

 

[Mister 4x4]

I recently re-discovered mine, and it requires 'blasting as well - otherwise, I'd offer it up.

What I went with is a Mr. Gasket PN 2663 ( http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/MRG0/2663/01397.oap?year=1971&make=Ford&model=Mustang&vi=1132805&ck=Search_thermostat+housing_C0420_1132805_1613&keyword=thermostat+housing&pt=C0420&ppt=C0331 )

Of course, my engine isn't a stock rebuild, either. I'm sure Don at OMS can help if you need a stock replacement.

 

[cudak888]

I recently re-discovered mine, and it requires 'blasting as well - otherwise, I'd offer it up.

What I went with is a Mr. Gasket PN 2663 ( http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/MRG0/2663/01397.oap?year=1971&make=Ford&model=Mustang&vi=1132805&ck=Search_thermostat+housing_C0420_1132805_1613&keyword=thermostat+housing&pt=C0420&ppt=C0331 )

Of course, my engine isn't a stock rebuild, either. I'm sure Don at OMS can help if you need a stock replacement.

I'll check with Don, for I'm not keen on the chromed necks (corrosion waiting to happen), and the aluminum versions from CJ Pony Parts will start to leak after a while.

-Kurt

 

[alarmrick]

I recently re-discovered mine, and it requires 'blasting as well - otherwise, I'd offer it up.

What I went with is a Mr. Gasket PN 2663 ( http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/MRG0/2663/01397.oap?year=1971&make=Ford&model=Mustang&vi=1132805&ck=Search_thermostat+housing_C0420_1132805_1613&keyword=thermostat+housing&pt=C0420&ppt=C0331 )

Of course, my engine isn't a stock rebuild, either. I'm sure Don at OMS can help if you need a stock replacement.

eck with Don, for I'm not keen on the chromed necks (corrosion waiting to happen), and the aluminum versions from CJ Pony Parts will start to leak after a while.
-Kurt

 

[alarmrick]

Try Motor City Mustang.

 

[cudak888]

Just blasted the original housing. Doesn't look good:

Found an Aussie dealer with them - for 100 big ones. Ouch.

-Kurt

 

[jorgem2]

There is something in Rock Auto although the picture is wrong or generic,

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php

Maybe advance can order that partnumber to look at?

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_water-outlet-factory-air_5653703-p?searchTerm=water+outlet

Good Luck,

 

[cudak888]

There is something in Rock Auto although the picture is wrong or generic,

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php

Maybe advance can order that partnumber to look at?

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_water-outlet-factory-air_5653703-p?searchTerm=water+outlet

Good Luck,

I only get thermostat housing gaskets through Rock Auto (in the cooling system section).

The generic part image shows the T-stat housing for the 351W, and from the looks of the comments below ("Doesn't fit 351C" and "This was a replacement for 1995 Ford F-150 351ci"), I'm quite certain that the #84831 part number is - indeed - the 351W thermostat housing. Case in point, an 351W t-stat housing reference photo (from: http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1108929-how-do-i-identify-my-engine-type-351w-2.html):

Original part number for the proper 351C thermostat housing is D1AE-8594-A (or -AA) on mine, and supposedly, D1AZ-8592-A is a later part number for the same:

So far, I've found the following available on the market, confirmed for the 351C:

Aluminum repop, no maker listed, guaranteed to leak due to different expansion rate. Sold through most of the big Mustang/Cougar online parts shops. $15-$25:

Chromed steel Mr. Gasket #2663, designed to seal with an O-ring. Known for corroding chrome leading to leaks. Casting will crack if not treated with extra-special care. O-ring setup has a host of leak complaints. $9-15:

Australian - I think these are either NOS or Ford-authorized reproductions. At any rate, they're identical to the original. $100 + shipping. EDIT: Shipping to the U.S. is $40 USD!:

I've got a good mind to have the local machine shop spin me up a new outlet tube, and weld it onto the original. Probably cheaper in the long run, and the lathe-cut tube should have a pretty decent flange in comparison to the rolled edge of the stock piece. Took measurements off the original already. Mind you, this is just a patch tube for the top; it's supposed to be welded to the tapered portion of the tube above the flange:

-Kurt

 

[Motorcity Mustang]

Title says all. While I'm in the process of sandblasting my existing T-stat tube, I thought I'd put the feelers out for a better one - just in case.

-Kurt

I will check my parts cars this weekend to see if I have a nice one without any pitting. Mike

 

[cudak888]

I will check my parts cars this weekend to see if I have a nice one without any pitting. Mike

Thanks, Mike - it will be a load off my mind if you can dig one up.

-Kurt

 

[gpierce]

This one says it's cast iron in the description:

http://www2.cougarpartscatalog.com/d1az-8592-a.html

 

[cudak888]

This one says it's cast iron in the description:

http://www2.cougarpartscatalog.com/d1az-8592-a.html

Photo is of the aluminum piece.

There's one left - I'm going to order it and take my chances, just to satisfy curiosity.

-Kurt

 

[cudak888]

Don at West Coast Classic Cougars just called me (as I had put a message in the order form that I would take it if it is indeed cast iron, but pass if it's aluminum) to let me know that the description on the site was incorrect - their repop is the aluminum piece.

However, he has a good used one available, for a most agreeable price. I'm not complaining!

-Kurt

 

[Motorcity Mustang]

Kurt, Checked all 29 cars and didn't have one left on any of the 351 crs. Will keep an eye out as I get more cars in. Mike

Title says all. While I'm in the process of sandblasting my existing T-stat tube, I thought I'd put the feelers out for a better one - just in case.

-Kurt

I will check my parts cars this weekend to see if I have a nice one without any pitting. Mike

 

[cudak888]

Fellows - something just came to mind: Will the straight-up 90 degree thermostat housing clear a Duraspark distributor?

If not, I might have been barking up the wrong tree all this time.

Anyone here running D-spark with a 351C?

EDIT: Yep! Looks as if I'll need the offset version if I convert to Duraspark. I'll order the 400/351M type as used in my Lincolns and test-fit to see if the Lincoln upper radiator hose will work as a substitute.

Kurt, Checked all 29 cars and didn't have one left on any of the 351 crs. Will keep an eye out as I get more cars in. Mike

No problem; I appreciate your efforts.

-Kurt



All right - just came back from the Lincolns (both equipped with the 400 and Duraspark distributers) and an extensive Google search - the 45 degree inlet will work for me.

I've started a new thread on the subject: http://www.7173mustangs.com/thread-converting-351c-to-45-degree-thermostat-housing

-Kurt

 

[Boss1Ray]

Very good 351C thermostat housing info in this thread.

Ray