Thermostat ??
 

Hey guys, have a couple of questions. My temperature gauge is not working and as long as I have the upper radiator hose off I thought I would replace it. My dad says that his old GTO had a themostat where the upper hose goes into the manifold. I don't have one there, should there be?? The other question is what is that plug like thing next to the #1 spark plug? Thanks again for your experience and guidence oh learned ones.

Yes, the thermostat is in the housing that mounts on the intake, where the upper radiator hose goes. Make sure when you put it in, the flat, spring side goes down. The thing beside the #1 plug is your coolant temp sender.

With regards to the thermostat, which one should be used? 160, 180, or 195?

Hey Mike, do I need the thermostat? Which one? Why do you think my gauge in the truck is not working. Does my temperature sender need replaced?

Yes, you need a thermostat. The engie won't warm up without it, especially in the winter. The stock thermostat for my '86 with a 305 is a 195 degree.

There should be a green wire connected the temperaure sender and running up to the firewall. That is all I know, but it may be a good start. :)

Slonaker

About thermostat
 

Hi ,
a thermostat is essential for the proper working of your engine.
It brings your engine faster to temperature , it lowers your fuel consumption.
When I bought my Impala 2 years ago , I thought also that my temp gauge was broke , but I didn't get any heat from the heater , so I knew the thermostat was toasted or missing...
The easiest self test of your new or used thermostat , is to put it in a pan filled with warm water on the stove .
Once the water nears the boiling point , you can see the thermostat going slowly open .

The Baron

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1979 Chevy C10 2WD LWB ( 350 Oldsmobile engine )
1977 Chevy Impala 250ci "Ye Old reliable"
1979 Yamaha XS 650 SE

could the lack of thermostat prevernting the engine from warming up, cause the gauge not to read it cause its not hot? which would lead 84stepper to think his gauge or sending unit was broke?

Not having a thermostat will cause it to run too cool for proper fuel consumption. A lot of times so cool, your choke will want to close. I doubt it will cause the gauge not to work at all though. If the gauge doesn't move at all, I would change the sender.

But, yes, you need a thermostat. I would install a 180 degree one if it was me.

I have installed both 180 and 195 in my stock 350. I didnt noticed much difference other then the temps. being different. Performanced seemed pretty close, but my truck seems to like the 195 better. Plus Im used to watching those readings on my gauge.