Thermostat help

[charles boyd]

When I installed my fresh engine I had trouble finding a Robert Shaw thermostat and installed an 160* AC from Rock. I have OEM and manual water temp
gauge. On cold start temp goes to 200 before dropping to 160* then gradually goes up to ~ 190*. The only thermostats I can find is the single top
bar type with or without the "pisser" hole with a shaker valve in the hole or a Mr Gasket type with 3 bar top. I think I will go with 180* this time.
The OEM gauge goes to 1/4 and stays there solid but the Bosch manual gauge varies with temp and is driving me nuts.

Any ideas or recommendations appreciated. I have ~3000 miles since break in and runs great and no oil added. I have an Eldebrock aluminum intake
with raised floor and blocked crossovers. Manifolds with 3" mandrel stainless exhaust with 2 front flow masters.
--
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee

 

[john r. lebetski]

That thread on the thermostats is wierd to follow on Bdubs. Like QC is unpredictable on brands. I have been only using Stant Superstats at factory
temps in all my other vehicles. Stopped the constant overshoot/ undershoot cycling on my Tahoe. Not sure what is in my 455 from Cinnabar.
--
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II

 

[lw8000]

The original Robertshaw design is still available:

https://www.flowkoolerwaterpumps.com/store/Thermostats/c22/index.html

I currently have their 195 installed and I have the OEM gauge, and it's spot on to the old one based on that. I did a side by side comparison of the
new one and the older one that came with our coach from the PO, and they are practically identical.

I posted photos here:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/403-radiator-hose-replacement/p58793-2015-07-28-183246.html

--
Chris S. -
77 Kingsley, 3.70 FD, mostly OEM -
S.E. Michigan

 

[charles boyd]

Thanks all for the help. I replaced the 160* AC that opened at 200* with a Mr Gasket 180* that started opening at 180 and full open at ~ 190 on the
stove in a pan of water. (Thanks Rob) In the coach it opened at 182*. Close enough for who it's for. It sure looks like it should flow more than
the AC. I'll give it a real test tomorrow going to S.C..
--
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee

 

[Ken B]

NAPA has them too under their brand name. I forget what it is abut I just bought a 180 a few weeks back.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana

 

[78gmcroyale]

Milodon makes a nice high flow thermostat that very similar to the Robert Shaw.

https://www.google.com/search?q=milodon+high+flow+thermostat&oq=milodon&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j35i39l2j0l3.5268j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
--
Ray Erspamer
78 GMC Royale
414-484-9431