57J2Olds

Hello friends,

How do I remove the retaining ring to remove thermostat?

Never been out before.





Thanks
Lee

57J2Olds

I got it apart.....can someone please tell me where I can get a thermostat for a 49 Olds 6 cyl?

Vintage Chief

I cannot validate either via part number or experience whether this thermostat is correct for your vehicle other than description in the eBay post (below). Supposedly it fits the 257. You should continue to validate. Good Luck.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/30373742273...e%3AOldsmobile

oldcutlass

You can probably get one at your local auto parts store.

Vintage Chief

Valid point, Eric. This particular thermostat fits a very large range of vehicles. Excellent chance you'd find one at a local auto parts store.

EDIT: BTW, I'll note you are supposed to use the ring from the thermostat when it was removed. If by chance the ring was damaged upon removal, be sure to get a replacement ring.

Charlie Jones

My parts book shows that all Oldsmobiles took the same thermostat from 1941 thru 1959 .
Factory part numbers were 563311 for 180 degree and 563219 for 160 degree stats.
Auto parts stores may be able to cross reference those numbers .
Note there is no retainer ring , however, the recess where the stat fits must be free of rust.

57J2Olds

Charlie,

I found and NOS 180 degree online.....however not a 160. I have the Butterfly type.

Advantages or disadvantages of using 180 degree?

Thanks
Lee

Charlie Jones

180 degree is better for low usage , short trip use .
The modern type stat replaced the butterfly type many years ago.
It will work equally well in your application.

57J2Olds

ok Thanks !

57J2Olds

Charlie,

I found both now. Would I be better off with 160 for keeping my motor cooler in summer?

Thanks,
Lee

Charlie Jones

No, the higher temp will "cook off ' the condensation caused by combustion that gets in the oil.
This is especially important with short trips and infrequent use, Such as you would get in a collector car.
If the cooling system is in proper condition, a system with a 180 degree stat will not be any more likely to overheat than one with a 160 stat.

madmax442.com

I agree, I put in a 160 stat and regretted it this winter, so another reason just to run a 180 stat.

Sugar Bear

Go with the 180, as Charlie said it will cook off moisture better. A properly operating thermostat only controls the minimum operating temperature, 180 isn't close to overheating.

Judging by the look of the thermostat and housing, the cooling needs to be cleaned. I'd suggest CRC ThermoCure and let it sit for a few days BUT it cannot be used with coolant only straight water so don't let it freeze.

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57J2Olds

Thanks to all!!!