Clark,
I too have used off-the-shelf thermostats (non-sleaved) in the TR4 since 1974
but there have been a couple times on hot days that my overheating car seemed
to have a mind of its own - and I couldn't get it to run cool enough. I
didn't fully understand the bypass port function until recently and
discovered my thermostat housing bypass port window (rectangular hole) had
nearly doubled in size from original! (you have to check it from inside the
housing) It looked like molten lava went coursing through the once, little
squared port aperature and eroded so much of the aluminum that it was nearly
round and fully doubled in size and flow allowance. Surely too much coolant
was by-passing the radiator and not just during warm-up when the thermostat
was closed. That's why it was hard to get my overheating motor to calm down -
not enough coolant through the radiator - even with a low-temp stat. If your
bypass flow has doubled in volume more hot coolant keeps re-circulating and
less coolant travels through the radiator. Putting a small washer with a 1/4
inch hole in the by-pass hose helps insure most of your coolant goes through
the radiator and is a popular fix - only downside is it might take longer to
thoroughly warm up the motor in freezing winter. Not a big problem here in
California.
My thermostat housing had 200,000 hard miles on it.
I replaced it with a good used housing with the sharp square port hole as
new, and got SMITH'S and Moss's sleaved thermostats to restore factory
circulation function. For improved cooling I will use a TR4A 'tropical'
6-bladed radiator fan. In a pinch I would opt for 'Water-Wetter' brand
coolant additive for the additional 10 degree heat reduction.
With all that - should be ready for traffic jams and global warming!
Carl
'63 TR4 since '74
___________
I've had no trouble with just using standard, off the shelf thermostats, that
fit the hole............I use 180 Degree........same for my '64 Ford 170 cc.
and my TR4A-IRS........Maybe I don't get it......but are we beating a dead
horse here????
I'm following the thread with interest!!!
Clark
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