I picked up a new Stant SuperStat to install in my 1996 Explorer 5.0L this weekend and i noticed after reading the Chiltons manual that this Stat does not have the Air Release Valve like the Motorcrafts do. I read on here that some people drill a hole in the new Stat, is this something that I should do? I would think that a valve is to let the air through but nothing else, but if i drilled a hole, it would let coolant through too which would then take longer for the engine to heat up. Is the Valve really that critical to the Coolant system? Why would Stant make this Stat without the Valve if it was needed? I also read in the manual that the T-Stat housing has a notch in it for the Valve, would this be enough space for air to escape if i installed the Stat without drilling a hole in it? Should i just install the Stat like it is and not worry about the Valve or should I drill a hole in it, or should i just go get a Motorcraft Stat with the Valve and return the Stant? Thanks for the help

Drill a 1/16" hole in the flange and install it with the hole toward the top of the engine(if I remember correctly on how the 5.0 installs).

Jim

I've also heard sticking a couple of Tylenol in there to keep the thermostat open will work too.

My new t-stat didnt have a hole either & I drilled one so that it ended up at the top of the t-stat when in the housing. As little coolant as will pass through a 1/16 hole shouldnt make any difference. Much better than having air in the system.