Thermostat

[CruisinTiger]

Hey Guys, yes this is a tech question but I wanted ya'lls opinion before I posted it up in the tech. Rather get the info from people I know. Ya'll remember the overheatin problem I had out at muster grounds. Well it's been gettin worse, past couple weeks it's been runnin a little hot, then this morning I drove it for about 15 min and the temp gauge was over the half way mark by a good bit, usually it sits right at half way or below. Is this a thermostat problem? I have never changed it and I've had it for about 5 years now. Is there a way to test it, or do I just have to take it off and see if it's stickin or not? The radiator does leak but nothin serious and I check it often. Any help would be great. Thanks guys.

 

[Throttleman_610]

Take the thermostat out and suspend it in a large pot of boiling water. Get an accurate thermometer and watch what temperature if at all the stat opens. Do this with the sending unit as well, mark the spot on the Cruisers gage where the stat is open. That way you will know exactly what temp it opens and where on the gage is open. Or purchase and calibrate an analog gage with real numbers on it and calibrate the same way.

 

[ClemsonCruiser]

I would say ditto........ atleast just drop the thermostat in hot water to find out what temp it opens at...also thermostats are uber cheap if it is bad

Chuck did you say your brakes weren't working again on the 40?

 

[clemson55]

Sounds like whats up with my mazda chuck I'll be putting in a new thermostat and temp sending unit in this weekend. I would say its not the temp sending unit though because if it were your gauge wouldnt register until the engine was very hot if at all. Probably that old thermostat starting to stick. I'd check it like they said though another good way is just drive it for like 3 or 4 minutes couple times around the block then pull it out if it hasnt opened in that time then its
f-ed up.