[Healeys] Thermostats

[Bob Spidell]

One other consideration:  I have heard--note: hearsay--that the OEM 
sleeved stats are of the 'fail closed' variety.  Have seen modern ones 
called 'fail open' or, even 'failsafe.'

FWIW.

Bob


On 9/11/2018 3:44 PM, Roger Grace wrote:
> Steve,
> Yes agree with your take on the 160 F thermostats. The only possible 
> benefit is that if you start with a lower coolant temp, when you hit 
> traffic, it will take longer before the dreaded over temp zone is 
> approached.
> As an aside, I have installed an oil temp gauge; very useful and a 
> reminder just how long the engine (not coolant) takes to get up to 
> temp. Trying to get in the habit of not going over 2000 RPM till OT is 
> about 120F – often another 15-20 mins after the thermostat opens.
> rg
> *From:* BJ8Healeys
> *Sent:* Monday, September 10, 2018 12:44 PM
> *To:* 'healeys'
> *Subject:* Re: [Healeys] Thermostats
>
> Fred, I personally believe a 160-deg. F thermostat used in an effort 
> to "cool down" a Healey is useless.  A thermostat responds only to the 
> temperature of the coolant flowing through it by opening up to 
> increase coolant flow, and once it is open all the way at 160+, it is 
> out of the loop and can't open further to cool more.  I am on the NC 
> coast where winters are mild.  I once tried a 160 (non-sleeved) 
> because I had one that someone gave me. My BJ8 ran so cold that winter 
> that I actually had to block part of the radiator to raise it to 
> anywhere near normal.  Up there in the NC mountains, that would be 
> even more of a problem for you.
>
> I use a 187 F (86 C) New Old Stock AC sleeved thermostat (AC part 
> number 1572320) that I was able to score from lister Kees Oudesluijs.  
> I installed it along with an upgraded core in the radiator at the same 
> time, so I can't really say how much improvement the thermostat alone 
> did; but since the modification my car runs consistently at 170 - 180 
> in the hot summers of the NC coast, except when in stop-and-go traffic 
> when it might make it to 190 or a bit above. In winter, it runs at 160 
> - 170.  I can see the sleeve operate as the car warms up because the 
> gauge will cycle between 160 and 190 until coolant temperature 
> stabilizes.  That can take up to 50 miles.
>
> A friend placed an order later with Kees for several of the 190 F 
> sleeved thermostats.  I got one of those as a spare.  Don't know if he 
> has any left, or can get more.  As far as I know, the only sleeved 
> thermostats available from the usual suspects are 160s and I wouldn't 
> waste my money on them.
>
> I just Googled the AC part number and came up with this source:
>
> *https://tinyurl.com/y9c6n53h*
>
> Unfortunately, it does not post to the USA (but on the bright side, it 
> offers free shipping!). Maybe you could work out a deal with a UK 
> lister to buy one for you and ship it to you.  £19.99 = $26.04
>
> Steve Byers
>
> HBJ8L/36666
>
> BJ8 Registry
>
> AHCA Delegate at Large
>
> Havelock, NC
>
>

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