buick looks fine for 39 Posted December 13, 2020 Share Posted December 13, 2020 Any thoughts about the best thermostat temperature range for a 248 engine. The 1938 shop manual lists a 178 degree thermostat which is a sloppy equivalent to the 180 degree thermostats readily available, but would a 160 degree thermostat be a better choice? Thanks Leif Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted December 14, 2020 Share Posted December 14, 2020 Leif, warmer is better. Use AT LEAST a 180. I use a 195. Ben 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Roth Posted December 14, 2020 Share Posted December 14, 2020 (edited) Warmer is better for fuel-efficiency, not that a straight-8 Buick could remotely be considered fuel-efficient. I use a 160 degree thermostat, believing the a cooler running engine, especially in an older unrestored car will likely last longer. While i surely defer to my friend Ben's expertise in many matters, I'll stand by my thoughts on this idea, at least for my own old cars. I might go the other way on a freshly restored version. Edited December 14, 2020 by Marty Roth typo, and additional note (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldtech Posted December 14, 2020 Share Posted December 14, 2020 I would agree with Ben 180 is fine. IMHO 160's don't get the engine hot enough in cool climates to dispel all the condensation. In hot climates they are going to run hotter than 160 anyway. I'm in cold country so lots of 195 degree thermostats use up here. Makes the heater work better and hurts nothing on the engine. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neil morse Posted December 14, 2020 Share Posted December 14, 2020 Where I live, the temperature fluctuates between the mid-40's to the mid-90's. I'm using a 180 degree thermostat on my 248, and it seems very happy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick looks fine for 39 Posted December 14, 2020 Author Share Posted December 14, 2020 Thanks guys, you're awesome. Leif Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Str8-8-Dave Posted December 19, 2020 Share Posted December 19, 2020 One thing to keep in mind with thermostats. A 160 thermostat will only limit the engine coolant temperature at 160 if the radiator has enough capacity to keep the coolant temperature from rising above 160. On a 90 degree day it is very likely the coolant temperature will rise above 160. In a non pressurized cooling system the higher temperature only becomes a problem if the coolant temp rises above 212 at which point the coolant will boil. If it is a zero degree day the 160 thermostat will likely be in control and the coolant temperature will rise to 160 and stay there if there is enough heat generated by the engine to get there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now