Yesterday after removing the snow plow and it's mounting frame from the M37 I decided to warm the engine by going to fill the gas tank with some liquid gold ($3.85/gal) and then to the local NAPA to get some engine oil and a filter so that some spring maintenance could be done. While driving I noticed the engine temp gauge was only indicating about 100F and was not showing the 180 it normally did when on the road. At NAPA I picked up the oil and filter and ask about a thermostat and gasket which they also had in stock. Once back at my garage I drained the oil and antifreeze, removed the old filter then the "stat, took it to the kitcken and put in a pot of soon to be boiling water and watched as it opened as normal once the water was neared 212. So far it seemed to be operating OK, after removal and cooling I noticed when completely cooled it was not fully closing and had about a 1/8" gap all around. Back at the garage I installed the new one, put in the new filter, added oil and antifreeze and fired it up. Oil pressure went to 50# but dropped slowly to slightly above 40 at fast idle as the engine warmed to operating temp. The 'stat seemed to open near 190F then temp settled to 182 measured using a very accurate dial thermometer. Once back on the road with air flowing through the radiator the temp gauge sat at 180 up and down hills and on level ground rolling along at 45 to 50.
I have seen 'stats fail open and once in a while closed but never stuck partilally closed. There was no dirt or rust holding it open, it was just stuck. That's a new on on me.
The truck was running great and mantained good hill climbing speed in 4th with no need to downshift. Didn't get any onlooker waves, thumbs up or horn toots, around here folks are used to seeing military vehicles since I live so close to the Aberdeen Test Center ( Aberdeen Proving Ground) there is a lot of OD stuff on the road, Bradleys, Abrams, MRAPs and even some of the newer stuff being driven to be tested at Churchville or on the H.P White range.
Carter
Life Member:
Delta, Peach Bottom Fish & Game Assn.
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