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MustangMadness 
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Joined: April-15-2014 Location: Seacoast NH Status: Offline Points: 114 |
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 Topic: Obsolete part helpPosted: April-15-2014 at 11:29am |
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I have a 1975 Mustang and the thermostat housing has corroded and needs to be replaced. Since this part is no longer available, what have peeps done to update their cooling systems?
The part I need is OMC 383323 casting number 314826. It is a 5 hose system. It is the bottom half of this unit here. Thanks! 
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MartyMabe
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Joined: February-21-2006 Location: High Point,NC Status: Offline Points: 3980 |
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Posted: April-15-2014 at 11:55am |
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MustangMadness
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Posted: April-15-2014 at 12:03pm |
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Not cheap...I'd rather update the system...Ideas??
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ny_nautique
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Joined: June-01-2011 Location: Albany NY Status: Offline Points: 1215 |
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Posted: April-15-2014 at 12:07pm |
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Here's one on eBay for $150.
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- Jeff
1999 Ski Nautique |
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ny_nautique
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Posted: April-15-2014 at 12:07pm |
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Oops... guess I had this tab open for a while.
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- Jeff
1999 Ski Nautique |
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JoeinNY
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Joined: October-19-2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 5698 |
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Posted: April-15-2014 at 12:27pm |
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I think updating the system would be pretty difficult, you would need an entire marinzation package from mercruiser or pcm for a small block chevy... one could put a zero on the back of that 150 pretty quick trying to piece that together. The biggest issue is that your current omc manifolds dont flow like a modern in the front out the back setup. The modern systems are simplier but not necessarily better than the super complicated omc or chrysler setups... how bad is your piece, it is possible a machine shop could make something happen for you. That being said, people scrap and part these motors out from time to time so your casting is out there somewhere about to be junked for a few cents a pound you just need to find it.
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TRBenj
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Joined: June-29-2005 Location: NWCT Status: Offline Points: 21171 |
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Posted: April-15-2014 at 12:31pm |
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If youve got a nice, original engine, I'd grab that OMC housing and swap it out. It'll still be cheaper than converting to a new style. The OMC system works fine and looks appropriate on an original, vintage engine.
That said, we converted most of our OMC 454 cooling system to a newer PCM style. Our housing was in rough shape, most of the other original OMC parts had already been swapped out and the engine is significantly modified- so we figured a more modern cooling system was a no-brainer. SkiDIM carries the parts you need- a new Chevy thermostat housing will work on your engine. Expect to replace most of the cooling hoses (sizes and lengths wont line up from your OMC), as well as the thermostat. Not a cheap "upgrade". |
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DrCC
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Posted: April-15-2014 at 12:33pm |
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I just happen to have a good housing from a 1975 OMC 302.
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TRBenj
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Posted: April-15-2014 at 12:37pm |
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I think we're all assuming that the engine in question is a 307/305 Chevy, as CC never used OMC Fords that I know of. But that would be a good thing to confirm before we get carried away!
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MustangMadness
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Posted: April-15-2014 at 1:13pm |
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Yes, it is a 307 RH (225HP) motor with OSCO manifolds. I will try to wire wheel, JB Weld and seal my old housing..
As you can see, I've done a lot of work on the ol' girl.. 
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TRBenj
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Posted: April-15-2014 at 1:51pm |
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I still think you can swap housings if you really want to without the $1500 pricetag Joe was implying... Hoses, clamps, thermostat and gaskets should be the only other pieces required.
Looks like Nautolex on the floor? Have you test fit the motorbox yet? Looks like the exhaust pockets are pretty darn wide- CC tapered them narrower towards the front so that the motorbox covered them. Hope you dont end up with visible holes when its reinstalled! Add your location to your profile when you get a chance. |
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MustangMadness
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Posted: April-15-2014 at 3:55pm |
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It is Nautolex....good stuff. I widened the exhaust channels to make more room for centek mufflers. I added angled aluminum to the outside edge and turned up the left over nautolex: all is good. My wife hated the original copper tube exhaust because of the noise. I personally liked it, but you know wives.
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8122pbrainard
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Joined: September-14-2006 Location: Three Lakes Wi. Status: Offline Points: 41045 |
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Posted: April-15-2014 at 10:46pm |
This would be my first option as well but blast it rather than wire using the wire wheel. I would also consider using ANYTHING besides JB. It's formulated for the homeowner garage mechanic so it's junk! Go professional with something like a Lord epoxy. Even a Devcon product is better than that JB C**p |
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MustangMadness
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Posted: April-17-2014 at 5:32pm |
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Thanks for the input guys. I will keep you posted as to results..
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MustangMadness
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Posted: April-18-2014 at 11:27am |
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I ended up buying a decent used one on eBay and repairing it as I mentioned earlier. I think it should last a while...I hope. My original is flaking badly, the used one looks pretty good ($85).
  
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8122pbrainard
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Posted: April-18-2014 at 8:59pm |
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Terry,
It looks good at this point but it does look like you went the JB weld route. I hope it holds up for you since you didn't take my recommendation. Repairs do not always involve getting your supplies from Home Depot or Menards!! 
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MustangMadness
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Posted: April-19-2014 at 5:28pm |
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Pete,
Just because I did not take your advice, it does not mean I do not appreciate your input: I certainly do. I have used JB many times before and have had exceptional luck with it. I figured with this exterior repair and clamped under a hose, it should work well. Regards and come-on Spring!  Here's a pic I took today. As you can see, I replaced the original s*&$$y kickboards with ash, and eventually I will do the dash to match. |
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MustangMadness wrote: