Drill Hole in T-Stat?

[BradE.]

I just got back from NAPA, I bought a new T-Stat for my X because my old one is stuck open. It's a Stant SuperStat. I took it out of the box to install the O-ring around it and noticed it does not have a little hole on the flange. I think it's called a weep hole or something like that. But, do you guys think I should drill a small hole in the flange? About 1/16''. I have heard of people doing this, but didn't know if anyone has tried it.

Thanks.

 

[mikeresin]

dont do it. the breather hole is not necessary on aftermarket t-stats....
the one on the mustang didnt have one either and its fine....

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

The hole is there to help expel any air that may be trapped in the block. It won't hurt anything to drill a small one in the new thermostat.

Jeep 4.0's are notorious for trapping air in their cooling systems, and this is a common modification on them.

 

[Opera House]

I always do it

Course I'm too cheap to spend the extra four bucks to have them do it for me.

 

[Bottomlesspit]

I would drill the hole there...or better yet, get a Robert Shaw brand with the hole already in place. They have the little bearing in the hole area that allows you to burp the system but keeps the fluid from backpeddeling into the engine.
The hole makes getting trapped air out of the system a lot easier so your coolant system can work best.
Ken

 

[BradE.]

Thanks guys. I am going to put a whole in the thing, probably a little bigger than 1/16''.

Thanks for all the suggestions. :redexp:

 

[Maniak]

Another reason to have the hole in there is that fluid will always be passing through. This means you have less spikes in temperature... some of the water is always mixing..

and of course having the hold there to allow air to pass helps also..

All the T-stats I buy now have the hole already.. Most have that piece of metal in the way.. which I always cut off.. and it seems to help in Southern Az where it can get over 110F.

~Mark