Thermostat FE 406

[Ric S.]

It is time to lite up the engine. In talking to Alan on Friday we discussed thermostats. I am putting a 180 degree unit in. Here is the question. The over the counter unit I bought appears too small for the indented opening of the surge tank. Alan mentioned a larger thermostat before I bought this one. I assume now he meant the overall diameter of the thermostat. If so what kind is that and can I purchase this anywhere?

The sooner you tell me the sooner the fire is lit in another Unique.

Thanks all in advance.

Ric

[brfutbrian]

ric, the thermostat doesnt fit tight in the housing, its slightly smaller (1/8"). if its smaller than that , take the housing to an auto parts place and find a thermosat that fits and get a gasket with glue tape on one side. later , brian

[pgermond]

Brian's correct. The last thermostat I purchased from Napa had a gasket with adhesive on it to hold the unit in place (centered) during installation. I went with a 190 and am very happy with the performance.

[Naumoff]

NAPA 532080 180* t-stat or a Stant 13478

The 63mm fit just right.

It is actually listed for a Dodge.

For the Ford it has to be a Pre 1965 390FE 6.4liter

[eliminator]

Tony is correct, it is for Chrysler Products, go with the 180 degree.

[davebetts]

Why does the preference seem to be the 180, when the 160 is available as well? Isn't a cooler operating temperature better for a big block with no emissions? It also gives a bigger marginal of climbing temperature at the stop lights.
Don't forget to drill an 1/8" hole in the top (12 o'clock position) of the metal flange. This allows the trapped air out much quicker.