1957 Oil Filter & Coolant Questions | Ford Thunderbird forum club group 1955-2005 models
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1957 Oil Filter & Coolant Questions

  • Thread starter Thread starter starfish15
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Thunderbird Year
1957
Called my local Ford Dealership Parts Dept. The "oldest model" oil filter they now carry is the FL-1A. Does anyone know if this is compatible with the 312 engine? If not, what should I get?
Re: Coolant, Ford has gone with a "Universal Coolant" (Motorcraft). Will be putting in a new radiator as the original is roached and radiator shop says not rebuild-able. Also putting in new water pump. O-Reily's offers a "universal coolant" with advanced organic acid technology. Is this OK?
Lastly, where is best place to purchase the Valve Cover Studs for the aluminum covers. I've read several posts on the forum that some of the ones in the new kits still aren't long enough without tweaking.

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I got my stud kit from NPD- https://www.npdlink.com/product/aluminum-valve-cover-installation-kit/140365
Part # T-6A506-3K
INSTALLATION KIT, ALUMINUM VALVE COVER
It fit fine.

The FL-1A is what I have been using and it seems to work fine.

As to coolant... using that new stuff in old cars makes me nervous, plus some of it seems to weep out in ways the old stuff didn't. It's probably ok but I always use the "green stuff".
The photo is what I have been using, it's either from O'Riellys or Autozone, can't recall which.

Do you already have the new water pump? If not you might consider getting one of the High Flow pumps. Casco Tbrid parts sells a version and FlowKooler sells a version. Casco probably sells the stud kit too.

Similar question on the radiator. If you have not already bought one consider the below. Myself and several others have bought them and they cool much much better than the original and as well or better than any of the others on the market. It fits perfectly and if you paint it black looks just like the original. Price is a steal too.


green coolant tbird 1957.jpg
 
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I installed the water pump modified for higher output from CASCO (8501HO). This pump is designed to increase water flow especially at low RPM. There are four vanes on the backside of the impeller which keeps water moving in the space between the impeller and the timing chain cover. I also installed the larger opening thermostat (8575C), for even more water flow.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue

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