thermostat

[allan Johnson]

without takin it apart first,how do i know if i need a thermostat with the runner ring or the one that uses gasket,its a 1977 c15 2 whell drive with the 350 eng,4 barrel carb,thanks

 

[crpntr78]

You will need the gasket.

 

[Memaloose]

If the engine does not maintain a steady temp such as 195 degrees when warm, you need a thermostat.
I replace the thermostat, hoses, flush the cooling system and replace with a 50/50 mix of antifreeze/coolant and water whenever a buy a used vehicle. Also, it never hurts to do a pressure check on the cooling system.
Cooling system maintenance is very cheap insurance.

 

[75gmck25]

Stock thermostat housing and most of the common intake manifolds use the flat gasket and two bolts. Also buy some Permatex sealer and use it on the gasket to get a good seal. Don’t get carried away with tightening the bolts. If you see some drips later on the intake it’s probably leaking around the worm clamp on the hose. Just tighten that hose clamp down some more.

Stock thermostat was a 195 degree and I would stick with that. For a little more money ($5-$6 more) you can get a high flow thermostat and it’s worth it. With a stock thermostat it’s good to drill a 1/8” bypass hole in the rim to prevent trapping air during warmup.

 

[idahovette]

Stock thermostat housing and most of the common intake manifolds use the flat gasket and two bolts. Also buy some Permatex sealer and use it on the gasket to get a good seal. Don’t get carried away with tightening the bolts. If you see some drips later on the intake it’s probably leaking around the worm clamp on the hose. Just tighten that hose clamp down some more.

Stock thermostat was a 195 degree and I would stick with that. For a little more money ($5-$6 more) you can get a high flow thermostat and it’s worth it. With a stock thermostat it’s good to drill a 1/8” bypass hole in the rim to prevent trapping air during warmup.

Very GOOD info, Bruce!!