Can somebody inform me on exactly where the thermostat is on these old Fords?
Having trouble finding it..
Search but no luck

 

Which engine do you have?

 

300 six

 

It's been a while but I "think" if you look at the top radiator hose from the radiator to the engine, follow it to where it connects to the engine and the thermostat should be directly under that.

 

That's exactly where it is. The bolts are a PITA to get at though. The bolt on the left requires a deep well socket, and the right one needs an extension, then a normal socket. That serpentine belt really gets in the way.

 

I'm in need of changing out mine as well. I think it has a 160 in it rate now and I must say the heater never warms up much. I haven't even looked at my truck yet but figure I'll ask on here since its related.

Does the thermostat housing have a bleeder screw on top? if not, how do you get air out of the system?

 

NOT WHAT I WANT TO HEAR!!!! lol..
my engine is not reaching op temps so it has to be changed
Pretty sure that she's runnin cold and rich
Thanks for the help yall!

 

NP bud, let us know how it turns out. I hit mine with PB blaster when I did it a few years ago just to loosen em up a bit prior.

 

The truck enters closed loop cycle at 180 degrees. Having a 160 thermostat is definately not helping you. Your truck is never getting out of the startup mode, where it stays rich to try and warm the engine. Get a 180 thermostat at best. I have a 190 in mine, but would have gone with 180 had I known then that engines like those more.
My manual actually said this, and it worked: (in my own words) Run the truck with the radiator cap off until it stops releasing air, causing the fluid level to go down. After that, fill it back to where it should be, put the cap on but dont tighten it all the way. Turn it all the way to tight, then loosen until you feel the seal break. At this point you should have to rotate the cap another time to make it actually come off. Turn the truck on again, and let it run. With the cap the way it is, it'll keep some pressure, but still have an out for any bubbles in the system. After you're sure this is done, take the cap off (BE CAREFUL, IT'S HOT!) and observe fluid level. Add coolant back to level needed, and you're done. If you wanna be really sure, run through this last step twice

 

a 160 degree stat is fine if the heater core is up to the task...if not flush the core...I run a 160 in mine and it still goes into closed loop...it will go into loop mode at 145 degrees...the 180 degree is a MYTH...

It has been -20 here and I still get 130degree heat out of the vents with a 160 stat...thats enough to roast me out on low and I run with the window partly down...

a little FYI...when the engine coolant temp is too cold to go into closed loop mode you WILL get a engine light for the code Low Coolant Temp