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Classic/Antique Car Repair/1965 Thunderbird Thermostat

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Expert: - 5/11/2008


Question
I have a 1965 thunderbird with a stock 390 300hp. What degree thermostat would you recommend considering I only drive during the summer time?

Answer
My recommendation would be for a 180/190 degree thermostat and a 50/50 mix of anti freeze. The anti freeze along with a pressure radiator cap will raise the boiling point of the mixture to near 300 degrees F. Thus is why hot coolant will boil and erupt when the radiator pressure cap is removed. The strange thing is that more BYU's will be transferred from the radiator to the surrounding air if there is a bigger difference in temperatures between the radiator and the surrounding air. So, hotter is cooler. The last reason is that a lower temperature thermostat will not get the oil hot enough to evaporate condensation in the oil and condensation causes sludge. Engine sludge problems almost disappeared when we started using 190 degree thermostats.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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