Has anyone ever had any problems on our engines using the vented style thermostats, the ones with the little hole with a small loose fitting little pin type thing in them? It seems like the things would lt coolant flow all the time .
They do let it flow all the time. The idea is that it will let air out and the hole is usually about 1/16" so it isn't a huge flow of coolant. Plus it has the brass piece to restrict it some more. When the H2O pump and pressure aren't working the brass piece is supposed to fall back into place as not to let the coolant flow back. I haven't used on on the diesel but have on my 400 Ford with great results.
I always use them on small block Chevy's. In fact, if it does not have the hole, I'll drill a small one in it. I find that the thermostat operates much smoother.
I drill a hole in all my thermostats.
+1
I have done that with every thermostat I've ever installed.
I always use them on small block Chevy's. In fact, if it does not have the hole, I'll drill a small one in it. I find that the thermostat operates much smoother.
Very interesting.... I'm getting tired of my metronome gauge.
The reason I asked is that I've had 2 of them now since I've been folling with the diesels and both were 180's {vented}. I had one in the other engine to replace a 195 and I ended up putting the 195 back in because the 180 actualy got hotter after a while. Then I got a 180 from Parts Place and that one has worked perfect for 3 years crossing the mountains and all in the Summer. I got a new one with this rebuild kit but it was a 195 and since I wanted a 180 again instead of taking the one from the other engine I got one from Autozone which was vented and it also showed higher than it should on my Autometer gauge and since it was spitting out the cap I put the 180 from the old engine today and the temps stay right around 180 as they should and I can fill the reservoir to the right place and it stays there and holds pressure without blowing out. Vented Autozone one would spray with just an inch of coolant the tank.
One of the 180's that was vented was a Stant and I don't know what the first one was though anymore, possibly a Stant also. The 180 from Parts Place is a non-vented 180 and is the only thermostat for these engines that ever worked right for me. Honestly I don't remember the name of it but I know it was German. I thought I had a head gasket leaking and it was that damn thermostat :roll: