So, it'* been in the 80'* lately and the bonnie shoots up to 200 within 5 minutes of driving her, then creeps up to 215, er so. I'm not too happy to see her go much above 200 degrees. Once I see her getting hot, I turn the AC off, and roll down my window.

So, I got a 180* thermostat which I'm planning on installing (Finally, had it for a while now....) within the next couple of days, but what else could I do to keep her cool during these hot summer months. I just changed the coolant less than a year ago.....

Any idea'*?

Your radiator has to be getting clogged at that age. Consider a professional coolant flush and pressure/flow test.

My trans cooler also did quite a bit towards keeping the engine cool. It keeps your trans fluid from heating the coolant when both fluids pass through the radiator. Also consider the fan override like I did. The wiring is the same as mine. If you buy a switch and bring it down, we can do it at WCBF.

Don't forget to drill a couple of 1/8" holes in that stat.

Bill, I will have a switch! I'd love to have that....

Paul, ok, how do I drill a 1/8 hole is this sucker Just get a 1/8 drill bit and drill and go to town? :P :?

I found have 4 1/16" holes evenly spaced on mine......call it the same.

Attach the rubber seal, then look at the TOP of the thermostat (the pointy end). Drill 4 evenly spaced 1/16" holes around the rim just inside where the rubber seal won't block them. Don't drill with the seal in place.

Use a larger drill twirled between your fingers to de-burr and chamfer the holes by hand, entrance and exit sides. Then rinse well. You don't want shavings in your system.

Drill two 1/8" holes 180 degrees apart, just inside of the rubber seal that attaches around the outer diameter.
Use a center punch to dimple first.
Make sure to debur the holes with a small file and then clean up all metal shavings.

This was my first. These holes are too large. But it gives you an idea of where to drill.

ah, that helps, lol. ok, dosen't sound too terably hard.

So, when you change the thermo. do you need to drain the whole system, or just try to change it out with some leaking? :?

Stick a small hose into the rad and syphon out about 1/2 gallon into a jug.

That should do. Or just let it spill a bit, and rinse away when done to save the cats and dogs. You won't lose much on the Series 1 compared to the Series 2, as we have a higher deck (head) height.

Stuff a few paper towels down in the hole where the stat goes while you clean off the old gasket to keep debris out of there.