[Healeys] radiator thermostat

[JSARCH]

British Car Specialists have the 160 sleeved thermostat

 



 

John Spaur

 

From: Healeys <healeys-bounces at autox.team.net> On Behalf Of sbyers--- via Healeys
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 1:16 PM
To: 'Healeys' <healeys at autox.team.net>
Subject: Re: [Healeys] radiator thermostat

 

I live in eastern  North Carolina where the winter temps are relatively mild, but the summers are hot and humid.

My BJ8 ran typically hot during the summer, especially when caught in traffic backups.  I tried a 160 thermostat and found that in winter I had to actually block off half the radiator with cardboard to get the engine up to normal running temperature.    I wanted a sleeved 180 thermostat, but the only sleeved item available at the time from the usual suppliers was a 160.

Eventually, I was able to obtain a 180 sleeved from Kees Ouderslijs who was a participant on this list (maybe still is?).  That was what really solved the problem.  Normal running temps winter and summer.  Not that it is for sale, but I later got another one for a spare and another for a friend.

 

Steve Byers

BJ8 Registry

AHCA Delegate at Large

Havelock, NC  USA

 

From: Healeys <healeys-bounces at autox.team.net <mailto:healeys-bounces at autox.team.net> > On Behalf Of JSARCH via Healeys
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 3:34 PM
To: 'Richard Antal' <rantal243 at yahoo.com <mailto:rantal243 at yahoo.com> >; 'Healeys' <healeys at autox.team.net <mailto:healeys at autox.team.net> >
Subject: Re: [Healeys] radiator thermostat

 

For an Austin-Healey the main purpose of the thermostat is to help the engine warm up faster by staying closed and allowing the coolant to reach a higher temperature faster. That said, the thermostat will gradually open as the coolant reaches the thermostats full open temperature. So, if you drive in a colder climate, you might want a thermostat with a higher opening temperature, say 180, in a warmer climate you might want the 160 or 165. I think I have a 160 in my car and it is fully warmed up and running without the choke engaged when the temperature gauge reads 190.

 

John Spaur

’62 BT7

 

From: Healeys <healeys-bounces at autox.team.net <mailto:healeys-bounces at autox.team.net> > On Behalf Of Richard Antal via Healeys
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 11:33 AM
To: Healeys healeys at autox.team.net <mailto:healeys at autox.team.net> s
Subject: [Healeys] radiator thermostat

 

Gents,

     What is the desired coolant temperature for optimal engine performance? I've searched the tech articles and can find nothing that specifically answers that question. This summer my BJ8 seemed to run fine with a 160 thermostat which, according to the gauge which I've checked and found to be accurate, kept the coolant at around 165. Thanks to all who respond.

rich antal

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