The thermostat is basically a valve between the engine and the radiator. When the coolant in the engine gets too hot, this valve opens, letting it pass to the radiator where it will cool down. If it is not heated, the thermostat stays closed, allowing the coolant to continue circulating inside the block.
What are the symptoms of a bad thermostat?
Leakage from the mounting surface. Appearance: Seepage, drips or large coolant bleed marks on or around the mounting surface or on the housing. Rust and corrosion. Appearance: Rust and corrosion on the surfaces of the thermostat. Deposit build-up. Map-controlled thermostats.
How does a thermostat regulate engine temperature?
Your car’s engine must maintain a certain temperature, and the thermostat regulates the rate at which the coolant circulates through the engine. This opening temperature is usually 195 degrees Fahrenheit on cars. As the engine heats up, the thermostat opens more to allow freer coolant flow.
How does the thermostat work?
How Do They Work? The science behind the thermostat is pretty simple. As things heat up, they expand, and as things cool down, they contract. This is known as thermal expansion, and mechanical thermostats will use this to switch on and off an electrical circuit.
Can you fix a car thermostat?
You can either replace the valves with new ones or work the valves back into a position where they can move up and down more freely. Replace the thermostat. This is the last thing you want to do, but if the hoses do not show a blockage or coolant hindrance then the thermostat itself may be malfunctioning.
Can I drive without a thermostat?
Most automobile mechanics will tell you it is not a good idea to drive your car without a thermostat installed. If your thermostat becomes stuck in the closed position, though, this will cause your engine to overheat and make driving your car impossible.
What is the best temperature for a car thermostat?
A 180-degree thermostat is better for engine efficiency—aka better fuel mileage and decreased emissions. A 160-degree thermostat is designed to maintain a lower engine operating temperature, which tends to make a little bit more horsepower and torque.
Why is my car overheating with a new thermostat?
Why is my car overheating with a new thermostat? Your car could be overheating with a new thermostat for a variety of reasons including a faulty water pump, worn belt, clogged radiator, faulty radiator cap or air in the cooling system.
At what temp should my thermostat open?
Once the temperature of the coolant rises to between 180 and 195 F (82 – 91 C), the thermostat starts to open, allowing fluid to flow through the radiator. By the time the coolant reaches 200 to 218 F (93 – 103 C), the thermostat is open all the way.
How do I know if my coolant is circulating?
Also, touch the lower radiator hose, after the engine has reached operating temperature. If the lower hose is hot to the touch, coolant is circulating. If the lower hose is not hot, it’s possible the radiator is restricted.
How do you check if a thermostat is working?
Check the screen: Check the screen of the thermostat and make sure that it is lighted. A blank or unlighted screen could indicate a thermostat failure. Check the batteries: Many modern thermostats rely on battery power to operate. If the screen is blank or unlighted, a battery change could solve the problem.
How should I set my thermostat?
A good rule of thumb for energy-saving heating is to set your thermostat at 68° F. For more comfort, try increasing the temperature by 1 or 2 degrees at a time. For energy savings, turn the temperature down 1 or 2 degrees at a time.
Why is my thermostat not working?
Try replacing the batteries, then check for a blown fuse or tripped breaker in the electrical panel. If the thermostat is still unresponsive, make sure the breaker is shut off and remove the cover. If the wiring looks corroded, consider replacing the thermostat.
Is it hard to change a car thermostat?
If the thermostat sticks in the open position, it doesn’t keep the liquid in the engine long enough, so you have trouble getting your car warmed up. Because replacing the thermostat is quite simple and thermostats are quite inexpensive, you may want to try this task before you take more drastic measures.
How long does a thermostat last on a car?
Generally, a car thermostat last ten years. But it can be different for many vehicles. Well, there are many symptoms you will notice when the life of your car’s thermostat finishes.
What happens when you run a car without a thermostat?
If you drive your car without a thermostat, it will run at 50 degree centigrade. When the car drives at this temperature, moisture or humidity will form. And when it is condensed, it will mix with oil and turn into slush (watery ice). This slush blocks out lubrication.
What happens when the thermostat goes out in a car?
Because your thermostat controls temperature of fluids from the radiator hose, a bad thermostat will cause your car to overheat. If the thermostat becomes stuck in the closed position, antifreeze doesn’t flow from the radiator, causing overheating.
Can you drive a car with the thermostat stuck open?
If you are driving your vehicle and the thermostat is stuck in the open position, it’s definitely going to cause some problems for you. When your thermostat is unable to properly close when it needs to, the flow of coolant will be unrestricted throughout your engine.
How long can a car run hot before damage?
You have around 30 to 60 seconds before you start to do serious damage, such as seized up valves or even pistons, if it reaches maximum hot.
Where should your temperature gauge be on your car?
Temperature Gauge is Normal When the engine is functioning, and the coolant is doing its job, the temperature gauge needle should be somewhere in the middle between the hot and cold indicators. “Normal” temperature reading can vary from vehicle to vehicle so don’t be alarmed where yours settles.
Where does the thermostat go in a car?
In most cars the thermostat is placed under a housing near the water pump on the cylinder head ; the housing is connected directly to the top radiator hose . In a few cars the thermostat is housed near the bottom hose. Test the thermostat quickly by starting the engine from cold.