Thermostat or no Thermostat in a BBC?

« **on:** November 01, 2010, 09:48:01 PM »

Hey guys I just had my 454 rebuilt, and wanted to know if I run thermostat in it or leave it wide open without one?

From some Jet boat guys told me to run it wide open, my friend whos a great car guy told me put a thermostat in it or it will never warm up.

Wanted to know what you guys thought since you guys probably know, Thanks alot.

« **Reply #1 on:** November 01, 2010, 09:50:29 PM »

I would run it without one. I have a valve on the fitting coming off the pump to limit water flow IN to the engine, then I leave the system wide open from there.

« **Reply #2 on:** November 01, 2010, 09:53:25 PM »

This subject has been beaten like an ugly smelly dog......

What makes the decision for me is what the piston to cylinder wall clearances are...

Cold shock is an issue that can only be controlled by a thermostat. I have run them both ways, but for unrelated reasons. Since you are probably not running an engine circulating water pump, I would say you may be better off without one, if it was built with automotive cylinder clearances, I say run not only a stat, but a block mounted pump (automotive type.)...

I am certain more people will chime in, but you have my .o2C

GT

« **Reply #3 on:** November 01, 2010, 10:14:08 PM »

After the rebuild the motor has a standard crank in it and the cylinder walls are at .30 over.

I have those water home depot looking spigot valves in my boat, two of them, one is for water flow the other is so I can hook up a garden hose to it to run the boat.

I have Hardin marine through transom exhaust, Any tips on how to do this right I would appreciate it, the boat has never ran for me and I just spent 3K on a rebuild so I would
like to do this once and do it right.

Thanks Guys,

Motoghost

Thermostat or no Thermostat in a BBC?

lbhsbz

Re: Thermostat or no Thermostat in a BBC?

GT Jets

Re: Thermostat or no Thermostat in a BBC?

Motoghost

Re: Thermostat or no Thermostat in a BBC?