One additional reason to use a higher temperature (180, 195) thermostat in colder weather is to prevent condensation of water vapor in the crankcase. Blow-by of combustion products past the piston rings contains water, which is one of the 2 primary products of burned gasoline. The amount of blow-by depends on the condition of the piston rings. Water, when mixed with motor oil, will result in sludge, which will coat the inside of the engine and block oil passages. One way to reduce the water vapor in the crankcase is to increase the crankcase ventilation with a PCV valve, in place of the old draft tube. A 160 thermostat is probably best for summer driving in a 50's car, which has a low pressure system and may be marginal in cooling capability after 40 years. It will also be operating farther away from the boiling point.
Dave Homstad
56 Dodge D500
-----Original Message-----
From: don dulmage [SMTP:big-d@xxxxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Saturday, July 17, 1999 6:07 AM
To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [FWDLK] Cooling w/alcohol
160 is called a summer thermostat
180 is a winter thermostat be cause in the winter a 160 will not produce
enough heat for the car heater to warm the car.
It was staandard practice to change them out winter and summer until the
195 which was brought in to reduce emmissions became standard and they
are listed in many parts books that way.
Those of us who live in climates that have both extreme heat and extreme
cold were used to these two stats and it was a normal way of life for us
and considered regular maintainance. 160 is the temp at which engine
wear is signifigantly reduced and fuel economy is increased. The
original testing was done by the Continental Motor Company who
manufactured large numbers or industrial and automotive engines (used in
Kiaser/Frasers for instance) and their charts are often reprinted in the
older automotive trade school manuals. It was not that long ago and
certainly well with in the scope of my career that winter and summer
thermostats were used. I think you might be reading more into this
thermostat issue than was originally intended. By the way the modern 195
stats are too warm for these older collector car engines . The 160 is
right for summer use which is probably all they get anyway. Some
vehicles will operate OK with a 180 in the summer but not all in extreme
conditions. I hope this helps.
DOn DulmaGE
DOn DulmaGE
Rog & Jan van Hoy wrote:
>
> My 1961 Motors Manual lists for every MoPar 1953-61, 180 for permanent type
> anti-freeze, 160 for alcohol type anti freeze.
>
> --Roger van Hoy, '55DeSoto, '42DeSoto, '66Plymouth, '73Duster, Washougal, WA
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