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From: cuhulin on 7 Sep 2008 09:29
When I use my 1978 Dodge van, (318 cubic inch engine automatic
transmission) the longest distance I ever drive round trip is about 14
miles to a veterinary supply store for dog food.The other two places I
drive to average (round trip) are 8 miles (tobacco store) and 6 miles
(food store).Which thermostat for my van will allow the lowest radiator
pressure? I don't know what the old thermostat pressure rating in my van
is now, I would have to take the old thermostat out and have a look at
it.
cuhulin

From: boxing on 7 Sep 2008 11:12
maybe with winter coming it would be best to put in a 195 thermostat.
the thermostat regulates the temperature. the rad cap regulates the
pressure. I run a 195 winter and summer. I think some stores only
stock the 195.
From: jim on 7 Sep 2008 12:24


jim wrote:

>
> . That would be an indication of a faulty
> cooling system.

That should say The thermostat should NOT open all the way


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From: Mike Romain on 7 Sep 2008 13:31
jim wrote:
>
> jim wrote:
>
>> . That would be an indication of a faulty
>> cooling system.
>
> That should say The thermostat should NOT open all the way
>
>


Well, I for one have never owned one of these mythical vehicles you talk
about. Mine all warm up to 195 fairly fast so I have heat and after
that most run about 205-210F. Yes, I have used infrared to verify the
thermostats on several vehicles, even on a 318.

This is noted when I drive in the summer and then in the Canadian
winters. At sub zero temps, my temperature gauges all stay low or at
the 195 the thermostat is forcing the engine to run at or just out of
the bottom or 'cold' range. (Yes, the engine gets forced to the
t-stat's temp, if I use a colder t-stat, the gauge is lower and the
inside heat is radically lower in the winter)

Then when I drive in summer, they come up fast to that 195 point and
then 'rise' up to the center of the gauge for the rest of the trip.

My engines all run at the margin the rad is designed for, no extra.
They even have extra fans that come on if I exceed that marginal cooling
the main rad fan can pull by say putting on an AC pump or if it just
plain gets up into the boil range, say if I am in 4 wheel low in 100F
weather.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
'New' frame in the works for '08. Some Canadian Bush Trip and Build
Photos: http://mikeromainjeeptrips.shutterfly.com
From: cuhulin on 7 Sep 2008 14:41
That little approximately quarter inch diameter corrosion rust hole in
the top right corner of the timing chain case cover of my 1978 Dodge
van, the hole is on top of the timing chain case cover right up there
very near the cylinder head.I finially have a chance to try and fix that
with some J B Weld.I have a small hand held steam cleaner, like the kind
you have probally seen in the stores or tv commercials.I am going to try
and steam clean the area and then after it dries off real good, I will
apply some J B Weld.I never thought about looseing the radiator cap to
help relieve the pressure while I am driving.I do know enough about
removing a radiator cap when the coolant is hot, I learned that the hard
way about fifty years ago.I am concerned the radiator pressure might
blow the J B Weld off of there.As soon as I can get around to it, I will
check the local area auto junk yards for a good timing chain case cover
for my van.My sister (she and her hubby live in another part of town)
has been taking me wherever in town I need to go.
I am keeping my eyes open for a good older model ex-ambulance vehicle
(cube van) I can buy at a good price.I like big old vehicles with lots
of space.
cuhulin

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