No t-stat

[Matthan]

I just went to change my t-stat and the last owner did not have one installed..what could this mean?

[bakerhillpins]

That the car has an overheating problem? I bet to takes a lot longer to warm up.

[JB400]

I say the thermostat probably stuck, so the guy/gal removed it and never bothered to install another one.    What part of the world did the car come from?  If it was from a desert location, they might not bother with a thermostat in the summer.

[A383Wing]

let's ask this..."what drove you to change the thermostat in the first place?"

[Matthan]

The top of thevradiator was really hot so I thought the old may be stuck

[A383Wing]

if the top of the radiator was that hot without a t-stat, I'm thinking you may have other issues here besides a missing t-stat

[Matthan]

Like what?

[Matthan]

What other problems could it be?

[Dino]

There could be a number of issues so you may want to check the cooling system.  Get a 180 stat and see what temps you get.  Use a calibrated temp gauge to test if you can, the stock gauge is as reliable as a paper umbrella.

What drivetrain do you have again?

If your radiator is old you can either replace it with a repro or aftermarket or have a rad shop clean it out.  I paid $45 recently to have my rad fixed (small gash), cleaned and painted.

Check the waterpump and replace if needed or just buy the Milodon high flow pump and stat.  Other brands carry the same.
Make sure to read the sticky in this section about water pumps.  You may have the bad one in there.

Remove the drain bolts on each side of the engine, you may have to poke through the crud to get the flow going.  Rinse it out as best as you can.

The passage ways may be a bit clogged or may be seriously clogged.  Maybe the po poured a bit too much leak stop in the rad and that can seriously constrict the system.

What fan and clutch are you running?  Fan shroud?

[Matthan]

I just put a new stock water pump...the radiator looks like it is a stock one and could be old.......my hoses all look good.....I have a 383 with a 727 auto with a 8 3/4 rear end.

[Dino]

Try a new stat first and see what temps you get.  I don't know how hot the top of your rad was but it is supposed to be quite hot. 

It's no luxury to flush the system but do so after trying the stat first so at least you'll know if the flush worked.  I have the prestone stuff in mine and a bottle of water wetter.

[maxwellwedge]

You should always run a stat - slows the water to help with the  cooling.....even a stat with the guts removed will help.

[Matthan]

If i do change the radiator will a 2 row be fine or shuld I get a 3 row?

[Back N Black]

I say the thermostat probably stuck, so the guy/gal removed it and never bothered to install another one.    What part of the world did the car come from?  If it was from a desert location, they might not bother with a thermostat in the summer.

You need a T-stat regardless. If the coolant passes through the radiator too fast, it will not have a chance to cool down. 

[Matthan]

Thanks!.......If i do change the radiator will a 2 row be fine or should I get a 3 row ?....I have a 383 in my Charger

[Mopar Nut]

Thanks!.......If i do change the radiator will a 2 row be fine or should I get a 3 row ?....I have a 383 in my Charger

3 row, if you have a/c, better get a 4 row. Do you have a 22" or 26"?