I installed my new 180 degree thermostatic sandwich adaptor from Earl’s on Saturday, and it was pretty easy. I think the whole process took me about an hour.
I have seen comments about the finish of some other thermostatic adaptors, but I must say that the Earl’s thermostat is very nicely finished.
My setup was the standard ERA
oil cooler plumbing, without the remote filter, on a 428 FE. In order to install the thermostatic sandwich adaptor, I had to replace the hose ends at the adaptor ends with 45 degree male –10 AN fittings (Earl’s part number 844510.). The standard ERA adaptor, which I believe also comes from Earl’s, uses 3/8” male NPT fittings. I simply unscrewed the original fittings from the hoses, leaving the “red nuts” on the hoses, and screwed the new fittings on the hoses. I was able to do so from underneath the car, so I did not have to remove and then reinstall the hoses. This was good because I had some self-inflicted challenges when I originally installed the
oil cooler hoses and did not want to remove them to install the new fittings. (Although there were a couple “near misses” from dropped wrenches!)
I then connected the hose on the passenger side to the new adaptor, and then connected the driver side. The fittings are the “swivel” type, which allows you to line everything up properly at the end. Finally, I attached the new adaptor to the
oil filter block, installed the filter and tightened everything up. The new adaptor is thicker, longer and wider than the old adaptor and really just
barely fits, but it does fit. Also, it caused no problem with the oil filter as there is still plenty of ground clearance.
I started the engine and found no leaks. On the road, I could see a big difference in my oil temperature. It has been a little cool here of late, and my oil was not reaching 180, but with the new thermostat, it hovers right around 180 after the engine has warmed up. I still would prefer a 210 degree thermostat, but I’ll live with the 180.
The 45 degree fitting on the driver side is just right, but those of you who are considering installing a thermostatic adaptor may wish to consider a 90 degree fitting for the passenger side. With the 45 degree fitting, it appears that you could kink the hose if you are not careful. The front edge of the adaptor (with the in and out ports) seems to just about line up with the front edge of the oil pan. The hose is attached to the pan, so the 45 degree fitting causes the hose to bow out (forward) a bit.
Mr. Strictlypersonal – You may want to have your engineering department investigate whether a 90 degree fitting would work better on the passenger side. Also, I think it would be a great “standard option”.
For those of you who are waiting for your ERA, I would add an oil thermostat to your wish list. (You know you are already over your budget, what’s another hundred or so!)
For you current owners, this makes a good rainy day project. A nice way to spend quality time with your car and another opportunity to spend money!
