Coolant filled with 50/50 mix of Prestone green and distilled water, the car is running pretty good. No indication of any leaks. It appears, on its face, to be a success. Also used a Bob Gaines sanctioned Mr. Gasket thermostat. Costs more but has a better reputation than some of the cheapos out there.
If not provided for by the thermostat as received (some do), we found that if you just drill a small hole (say. . . 7/64" +/-) in the body of the thermostat which allows air to by-pass the closed fixture, that with tempered administration in the filling process, much less difficulty will be experienced in the initial "burping" on start-up. ;D
Scott.
Thanks for the info, Scott. I looked closely at this thermostat and it looked like it had jiggle pin already placed in it from the factory to let air escape. So I put the thermostat in at the twelve o'clock position where the indent jiggle pin indicator was present. Should be okay. Emphasis on "should."
Quote from: pbf777 on October 07, 2026, 07:40:12 PMIf not provided for by the thermostat as received (some do), we found that if you just drill a small hole (say. . . 7/64" +/-) in the body of the thermostat which allows air to by-pass the closed fixture, that with tempered administration in the filling process, much less difficulty will be experienced in the initial "burping" on start-up. ;D
Scott.
I will be going through this step soon, and welcome any advice regarding "tempered administration in the filling process". I must say that I really enjoy auditing your classes, here, Scott.
Thank you.
I ended up with the Mr. Gasket 4364 thermostat. It has the jiggle pin.
The Mr. Gasket 4364 180-degree high-flow thermostat uses a small bleed hole with a jiggle pin to bleed trapped air from the cooling system.
Function and Installation
• Air Bleeding: The jiggle pin allows trapped air bubbles to pass through the thermostat flange while the thermostat is closed, preventing air pockets and engine hot spots.
Quote from: deathsled on October 07, 2026, 11:42:27 PMI ended up with the Mr. Gasket 4364 thermostat. It has the jiggle pin.
The Mr. Gasket 4364 180-degree high-flow thermostat uses a small bleed hole with a jiggle pin to bleed trapped air from the cooling system.
Function and Installation
• Air Bleeding: The jiggle pin allows trapped air bubbles to pass through the thermostat flange while the thermostat is closed, preventing air pockets and engine hot spots.
I did the same one but a cooler one....works great!!