permanently plugging the thermostat housing bypass port/ball thing, what to expect?

[LCAM-01XA]

No we have no intentions of destroying a perfectly good factory thermostat housing. However we do have intentions of running a thermostat housing from an International S-series truck (for accessories packaging purposes), and it does not have the port with the ball inside it like the F-series do, actually the S-series engine block isn't even drilled for it. So after bolting the S-series housing onto the F-series block and thus permanently plugging the F-series thermostat bypass channel, what would be the most likely negative outcome?

 

[Dieselcrawler]

As long as you vacuum fill the system to remove all air, it shouldn't be a problem. Main use of the bypass was to allow air to escape when filling. The s series have a lot higher resevior to help purge it out.

 

[icanfixall]

I can't see any problems other than purging air like posted above. Thats not a issue if a coolant vacuum system is used when refilling the coolant. Once you use that kind of tool you will wonder why you waited so long to buy or use one.

 

[junk]

As long as you vacuum fill the system to remove all air, it shouldn't be a problem. Main use of the bypass was to allow air to escape when filling. The s series have a lot higher resevior to help purge it out.

This was my thought exactly. International reservoir tank was really high.

Otherwise how about drilling a small hole in thermostat flange to aid in air purging? I see it talked about a lot in any thread dealing with thermostats. Especially in older cars.

 

[LCAM-01XA]

Yup, she will be AirLift-ed for sure during refill, not taking chances there with or without thermostat air bleed passage. Drilling a small hole would also work i suppose, I don't think something like 1/16"-1/8" will mess up coolant flow seriously, especially considering how automatic trucks have coolant bypassing the thermostat via the heater core look thru at least 1/4" ports (fitting down in the radiator's cold tank).