[DeTomaso] Bad head gasket question ?

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

In a message dated 7/24/07 8:17:59 AM, Konrad.Szwab at AlconLabs.com writes:


> - replaced thermostat
> 

A-ha.

If the engine is hot and the radiator is cold, something is *obviously* 
wrong.

The Ford 351C uses a unique thermostat that incorporates a 'hat' which blocks 
off a bypass package when the thermostat opens.   A 351W thermostat will fit 
into the same location, but doesn't have this hat.

What that means is, if you have accidently installed the wrong thermostat 
(quite easy to do as the parts store monkeys don't usually have a clue, and if 
you just said you had a "351 Ford" they would assume Windsor), then a 
substantial percentage of the water in your cooling system is simply circulating within 
the engine, and never making the trip forward to the radiator.

Constant water temps of 220-240 are WAY too high.   The target should be 
180-190.

Just one idea--I'm sure there will be others!

Mike


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