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thermostat/blanking sleeve?

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paul74

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the engine is out and the third gear synchro is being replaced. while I had the the chance I pulled the heater box out and apart to flush the core and replace the foam-the fan blows old dry dust( formerly foam) in my face. also checked the thermostat, the b is from so cal and I did not know which one was in it. does not look like the vb pic at all. turns out it came from napa. there is also no thermostat blanking sleeve. do I need it?
thanks,
Paul
 
No, you don't need the blanking sleeve. The blanking sleeve is only used when there is no thermostat. Your B uses a thermostat for a small block Chevy, so they are available at most auto parts stores.
Blanking sleeves I believe are usually used in racing applications. You need a thermostat so the motor will run at the proper temperature.
 
You B guys use the 165 degree thermostat?

Seems to work better on my A than the higher temp ones.

Just wondering....
 
I run a 165 here. It helps, but some July days can still see elevated temps in stop-n-go traffic. I have an electric "pusher" fan mounted so's to have airflow when needed.
 
here in no cal on the coast we get to 80 once or twice a year. summers are usually upper 60 lower70's. no stop and go traffic-unless there is a deer in the road...I thought I would go to a 180 stat and get a little more heat for our crisp fall and spring days?
thanks for the info guys.
Paul
 
I live in Idaho which can be cold in winter and over 100F in the summer. I actually use a combination of the blanking sleeve combined with what is called a "balanced" thermostat for 195F. The blanking sleeve performs its function by closing off the bypass port to most coolant, forcing water to the radiator. The balanced t-stat counteracts the force of water flow from the pump for somewhat more accurate control of the coolant temp. The balanced T-stat is a Robershaw design often used in racing and you can pick one up from many local suppliers where it will be sold as a Prestone Premium unit in a variety of temps.

Does this work? Well, it has for years for my car, a 1968 MGB GT. Pretty much a stocker. It heats up quickly (less than 2 miles of travel, summer or winter, and maintains temp pretty darn consistently. I use a 50/50 antifreeze solution in winter and in summer plain water with a 3/4 bottle of Reline Water Wetter and half a bottle of Prestone Water pump lube to replace that lost when the antifreeze is removed. Best I can say is it works for me and has for many years. (But your results may vary! ;-) )
 
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