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I am the proud owner of a 1949 S11. Not too many of these made. It has a flat head six. My parts book lists two thermostats. 160 and 180 degrees. Does anyone know which one I need as I am replacing that, all hoses, belt, and having radiator checked/cleaned. Little maintenance to avoid being broke down.
Well, the shop manual for my S13 says to use 183. I would expect that would work fine for your S11 as well. There's no listing for a lower temp thermostat in my shop manual.
It's supposed to be fun!
1949 De Soto Custom Convertible (project)
Thanks Tim. My parts list for the 49 S11, which is truely a 1948 S11 just built in 1949, list two. One 160 and 180 degrees.
It actually seems like it probably does not matter. But I believe the premise is if you are in a cold climate, then you want to keep the car at the higher temp because it would stay at 160. 160 is usually on the low side and the car combustion may result in a lot more unburnt hydrocarbons (HC). In a hotter climate, the car would not stay at 160 - the temp could keep rising. Best then to get the thermostat open as soon as possible. This is just my line of reasoning and over the years it seems to have worked well. Anybody else want to tackle this one?
Hola Gents
By the time the 1966 Dodge PowerWagon was using
the 251 Flat Head Engine, they state to use the 180
Degree Unit with a Six Paddle Cooling Fan that has a
18 inch Diameter ( remember this is a 1 Ton 4x4 ).
This information is in the 1966 Factory Service Manual
in the Spec's Section.
I agree that Fuel is burned better ( cleaner ) with the
higher unit.
Rodger & Gabby
COS
FltSgt@outlook.com
Just to be different I say go with the 160. You'll probably drive your DeSoto on nice warm days. If you plan on driving in the cold snowy winter then put in the 180. The thermostat used to be a seasonal change item along with the snow tires.
Have a nice day
Steve
Thanks all. I just ordered one from Andy Bernbaum. Don't know for sure what degrees it is. Will know when I get it and will let all of you know.
Chuck
Steve, read my post again. You agree with me. 180 cold climate, 160 hot climate.
