cooling · FF-0258

Should you run thermostats in a Ford Flathead?

On most of his engines Ed recommends leaving the thermostats out. He says Flatheads have a heating problem anyway because the exhaust ports are right next to the water pumps, so he would not want a 190-degree thermostat that lets the engine reach 190 before the water circulates. Without them, he says, it might get to 150 degrees driving in Arizona and still not have a heating problem. He will talk to the owner before taking these out.

Expert

Ed Smith

Evidence

expert attributed

Component

thermostats

Applicable scope

Ford Flathead V8, according to Ed