350 Thermostat

[T69SS]

Hey everyone i just have a simple (somewhat stupid) question for you. Ive owned my car for about 6 months now (69 SS) and this past weekend it started to overheat on me about 10 minutes into my cruise. I am going to start simple and replace the thermostat and see if that cant take care of the problem. My question regards the thermostats... after doing a little research i am assuming i should go with a 180 degree thermo instead of a lower one such as a 160 degree. Although logic would dictate that if i went with the thermo that opens at 160 it would help keep my engine running cooler?? If someone could clarify this for me i would appreciate it. Just a new guy trying to learn as much as i can.

Also, if the thermostat doesnt take care of the overheating issue, are there any other obvious causes for this problem?

Thanks

[anastasios]

The purpose of a thermostat is to bring the engine to a  minumum operating  temperture.  If you have a 180 stat once the stat opens the engine will allways stay at or above 180 degrees . Check to see if the belt tension is good and tight a loose belt good cause you  grief . good luck

[68Zproject]

http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=5534.0

Try this it worked for me in both my cars.

[T69SS]

Awesome, thanks for the help. 68z that link is helpful, i will definitely check my timing out as well

[Stingr69]

Start by checking for flow. Feel the lower hose to see if it is hot. If not, you do not have flow. Clogged radiator can do that but this is not as common as a stuck thermostat. I have seen one water pump im my life that lost it's impeller, but that is very rare.

You can test your thermostat (new or old) in a pot of hot water on the stove. If it opens at 180, or what ever the temp rating on the stat (before boiling at 212) you are good to go.

-Mark.

[T69SS]

Thanks for the help again everyone. Ill run through your recommendations, and just for clarification... if i do need a new thermostat the 180 stat is the correct one to get?

[JohnZ]

Thanks for the help again everyone. Ill run through your recommendations, and just for clarification... if i do need a new thermostat the 180 stat is the correct one to get?

Yesk, that's the correct thermostat to use. The thermostat only controls the MINIMUM operating temperature (like in the winter to ensure that you get heat), and speeds warmup; actual operating temperature control is a function of cooling capacity (radiator heat rejection capability and the volume of airflow through it).

[T69SS]

Awesome, thanks again

[olympic69]

JohnZ's article is great-although I occasionally get folks whojust do not get it. Their loss. BTW, if you have a clutch fan...this can do it too- not that I know!!!

http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=5534.0

Try this it worked for me in both my cars.