Thermostat Housing Application

[Mark L.]

I have two aluminum thermostat housings with the same part number, 3837223 and they are different castings. One has the P/N cast into the top of the round ball shaped portion near the outlet neck and one has the P/N cast into the flange portion near the gasket. I'm trying to determine which one is "correct" for use on my '58 F.I. S/N '7175. Can anyone shed some light on this?

Best regards from Connecticut.

[Jack H.]

Re: Thermostat Housing Application

You may have to read the Judging Guide closely on this one (mine's not handy). I believe you'll find the difference (placement of cast number) flows from production source (there was a subtle thread on this which should be in the archives by seaching on the cast number).

At the time your car was built, two foundry/engine assy lines served the US final assy plants (Saginaw/Flint and Tonawanda). There were differences in parts (may have been intentional for source ID tracking) which frequently 'bite' the restorer, E.g. nice cylinder head/block on your Corvette, but unfortunately it's a taxi cab component from Tonawanda.... I believe this is the root of the difference in the water outlets you have.

Lacking reference data, you've a 50/50 chance of getting it right and fortunately for you, you have both parts to choose from. Good luck!

[John H.]

Re: Thermostat Housing Application

Mark - As far as I know, the one with the part number cast into the flange is the correct part used at Flint Engine. However, there are several variations of appearance of the flange (cast-in-recesses vs. continuous surface). I think Noland's book covers the flange variations, but I don't have it handy just now.

John