Joined: Oct 02, 2014 Posts: 1916 Location: South Carolina, Dorchester County
Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2019 9:51 pm Post subject: M38 Thermostat
After much research, I don't see a down-side to drilling the 1/8-inch bypass hole in the flange of the thermostat that's been suggested in several posts going back years in this and other forums. The range of opinion as expected --- from --- it won't harm anything --- to it's not necessary --- to it improves the overall L134 cooling system. Some even say two holes is better than one.
Nothing in any TM that I can find says to do it. I'm thinking if it's such a good thing then why isn't it in the TM? Why can't I buy a thermostat with the hole already in it? Which makes me think it's all just another urban (jeep) legend.......or maybe it's one of those things real mechanics learned in ancient times from mechanics that taught them and nobody bothered to put it in the manual?
I've got a M38 head with the by-pass hose and have a 160-degree thermostat as called for in the M38 TM. Summers are hot and humid in South Carolina. Winter is better .
With your help, I'm just trying to find some ground truth, and another gold nugget for my thimble of knowledge. Unless you kind gentlemen tell me that little hole can cause bad things --- then I'm inclined to get the drill out (and note the unauthorized modification in my log book ). Thanks! _________________ Ron D.
1951 M38 Unknown Serial Number
1951 M100 Dunbar Kapple 01169903 dod 5-51
“The only good sports car that America ever made was the Jeep."
--- Enzo Ferrari
You are chasing an unnecessary modification. Your bypass hose already has that one or two 1/8" hole crap taken care of. In the future try posting links to the BS stories you are reading so we can all enjoy a fantasy trip! _________________ Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100
Joined: Oct 02, 2014 Posts: 1916 Location: South Carolina, Dorchester County
Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2019 6:41 pm Post subject:
Ok Wes, thanks. I didn't realize this was such a big deal.
By the by, I don't have a stock M38 thermostat now. I believe the stock thermostat is a "bellows" type that isn't made any more?
I have the modern "pellet" type (I think its called) --- available from most any auto parts store. Wish I could find one Made in U.S.A. _________________ Ron D.
1951 M38 Unknown Serial Number
1951 M100 Dunbar Kapple 01169903 dod 5-51
“The only good sports car that America ever made was the Jeep."
--- Enzo Ferrari
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