Heat gauge is getting near the "way to hot to run" in my 68. So upon looking into the cause I have found that when I give a load to the motor the lower radiator hose is collapsing, why? I also thought I'd change the thermostat and so when I removed the housing I found there was no stat installed. Wow. Should the spring go towards the housing or in towards the head? Thoughts on whether installing the stat correctly will also fix the collapsing lower hose?

Thanks

The spring side goes towards the head.

Look for a tiny hole or notch in the thermostat. It should be on top.

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

Missing thermostat is a clue that this car has had an overheating problem for awhile. Installing the correct 180° thermostat (best choice is a Stant SuperStat #45358) probably won't stop the hose collapsing, but rodding out, recoring, or replacing the clogged radiator probably will. The collapsing is caused by excessive pressure differential across the radiator, which is a fancy way of saying not enough water flow through the radiator, which is a complicated way of saying the durn thing's stopped up.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Dan

I will replace the original radiator and correctly install the thermostat and cross my fingers the overheating issue goes away. You think that should fix the problem? I'll report back tomorrow vafter removal and replacement is complete.

I tested a thermostat once by putting it into a pot water while using a thermometor to watch the temperature to see if it opened up. Was having weird overheating wit my wagon; long story.

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'73 Scamp (the girlfriend): 225ci super/6 2BBL conversion (Almost done!)
'90 Subaru, wagon (the wife): H4-cyl 2.2L

1977 Mercedes-Benz 300D, 5cyl diesel(For sale!)

Pan test for thermostat works but you have to make sure the stat doesn't touch the pan. I usually push the thermostat open and let it clamp shut on a piece of string, then tie the other end to a spoon or stick or pencil and put that across the top of the pan so the stat hangs down without touching the bottom, then put in enough water to cover the thermostat. Use the thermometer to stir the water. Add salt and pepper to taste.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.