SBR coolant hose routing

[MB750]

I'm running a typical ol' 302, not using a heater core. These are my options:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=181710&d=1679142777

I'm guessing:

1 goes to 4
2 goes to 3
5 is where the fan temp switch goes

Or since I'm not running a heater core couldn't I just plug and cap 1 and 4?

The large ones are obvious, which is why I didn't include them in this diagram.

[Jeff Kleiner]

2 goes to 3

Temperature gauge sensor goes in either 1 or 5

Cooling fan switch goes in either 1 or 5

4 gets plugged—-when I do this I remove the nipple and install a 3/4” freeze plug however some just cap it with a rubber plug (which I’ve seen crack and fail)

Jeff

[MB750]

Thanks for confirming Jeff. My Edelbrock manifold has a 1/2" port on the drivers side as well, under the purple sheet in my pic, so technically I've got options for coolant sensors and fan switches. Your answer gives me closure, but I was going to use that 3rd coolant passage port for the temp gauge sensor.

One thing I'm curious about though. #5 in my pic is technically after the thermostat. If I were to put the fan switch in there, could there be some conflict in getting an accurate temperature? I've got a 185F thermostat, but I'm not sure when the switch closes to turn the fan on. OR, once everything is warmed up does it matter?

I've also read some reports of people blocking off the heater core instead of just plumbing 1 to 4 and claiming they now overheat. For the life of me, I can't understand why. Technically 1 to 4 is the same as 2 to 3 in that they both bypass the thermostat and radiator. Just when 1 and 4 go to a heater core you can have cabin heat regardless of the thermostat position.

[MB750]

Also, typo in my thread title. I meant to say SBF, not SBR. :o

[egchewy79]

2-3 is a cleaner connection than 1-4. I drilled a small 1/8” hole at the top of my thermostat. That gives the temp reading at 5 more accurate even before the thermostat opens.

[MB750]

2-3 is a cleaner connection than 1-4. I drilled a small 1/8” hole at the top of my thermostat. That gives the temp reading at 5 more accurate even before the thermostat opens.

Yup, I did that as well.

[phils88gt]

"drilled a small 1/8” hole at the top of my thermost"

And so did ford in older thermostats.