thermostat housings...steel v alloy

[mfc]

hi all, is there a changeover date between alloy and steel housings?
i have both at present and wondering what is appropriate for a 55 86 inch?
regards mark

[Brad110]

I have wondered the same.

I have both ally and cast steel for the top hose fitting and ally housing ' box.'

The vent hole in the rear of the alloy housing are prone to corrosion and difficult to repair. If the box was available in steel then I would use it as it would be easier to repair.

[dandlandyman]

It was somewhere between 1953 and 1955, as my friend has an original 53 motor with an alloy housing, while his 55-56 88" has a cast iron one. It may even be that it changed with the "spread-bore" mod (ie: when the oil filter was fitted). Alloy housings are what causes the through-bolts to seize in place.

Dan.
69 S2A 88" pet4 (still in disguise), 68 S2B FC pet6 (still resting quietly), plus 13 other parts/project cars (1xS2, 5xS2As, 7xS3s).

[dennisS1]

I have a 1955 and 1957 that both had Al and I prety sure they are original,
Have seen early 1600 with cast.
Dennis

[mfc]

alloy is shiny and was on the 55 engine so ill use that i guess
cheers mark