Where and how to put the thermostat?

[jedon]

I'm trying to get my cooling system set up and the hole where people put the thermostat seems very small, I guess I grind it out?
Hmm linked picasa pics don't seem to show up, pics here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/jedon13/MetroLister61#5373223928695472386
and here
http://picasaweb.google.com/jedon13/MetroLister61#5373223968704582866

Radiator is from a 93 Mazda RX-7 ( 255HP ), I was thinking of putting a small AC box fan near it to help with cooling if needed.

I got some galvi pipe fittings, one of the adapters has outside thread that fits the radiator hoses.

Not sure if I should put the radiator outside the shed, we do get 5+ feet of snow in the winter.
Thanks!
-Jedon

[Irish Artist]

Yes, indeed, I had to do a fair amount of grinding on mine. I also ground out the housing a bit to allow the thermostat flange.

Murph'

[listeroil]

Jedon

Another method is to use another flange. Bore out the middle to suit your thermostat and use longer studs. It works very well.
Like this

Mick

[jedon]

Looks good, is that the one someone said was some kind of plumbing part? Where would I aquire such a thing?

[Irish Artist]

Hey Jedon,

That Thermostat seems rather big, from what I can tell by your pics. I'm using a smaller one, NAPA part # 550095.

If you do any grinding on the head pull if off the engine, I stuffed a rag in to the recess and then I blew the water jacket out once completed.

[M61hops]

Hi Jedon, welcome to the forum.  That thermastat you have seems much larger than you could fit into the port in the head, I'd find a smaller one to start with.  I'd also make a flange like listeroil did so you don't ruin the head by trying to grind out too much metal.  You don't want to break into the head stud cavity  !  Also if you make a flange you could set up a bybass loop to heat veggie oil or at least even out the temp rise on the cylinder and head during warm up.          Leland

[NoSpark]

The double flange kit is sold by some oid dealers and came standard on some engine brands.

[jedon]

Looks like George at Utterpower has them for $30.

[12 gauge]

jedon,
You may find a common flange used on heating system boilers that would work.  I used the rubber gasgets made for the same, and found them very good. 
RH

[jedon]

12gauge, what kind of store would have that? Plumbing supply? Home Depot? HVAC?
Thanks!

[Stan]

Just don't try and use extra gaskets on a cast iron fitting that is cinched extra tight.  You'll hear a "clink" sound while tightening and by then its too late.  Ask me how I know. 
Stan