Thread: Delayed overheating problem

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Originally Posted by 34_40

What was the heat rating of the T-Stat that you purchased?

Originally Posted by firebird77clone

You might consider getting a hotter tstat of the same mfg/type.

I've seen posted here that below 180 will cause sludge build up.

Originally Posted by firebird77clone

This just in- are you certain you didn't have the old tstat installed backwards?

Originally Posted by rspears

Megamax, I hate to jump in before you've had an opportunity to reply, and I also hate that I didn't offer this to you earlier, before you installed the new T-stat but I always drill a small, nominal 1/8" hole in the flat flange of the T-stat to promote faster warmup, but more important to make filling the system soooooo much easier by giving the trapped air a way to bleed out of the block. It eliminates the old "burping" of the system, waiting for the stat to open to add that last 1/2 gallon of coolant and often losing half of it on the ground as the system burps. The hole doesn't affect operation, so you might consider drilling a little hole if you need to swap out that stat for a warmer one. I wouldn't go any cooler than 180F, and 190-195F is about the lowest any OEM goes in the past ten years or more for better efficiency on the burn. Consider where your temp sensor is located in choosing your stat, too.

I appreciate the replies everyone, sounds like this should hopefully be easier than I initially thought.


34_40:
The sleeve style thermostat I bought was rated at 180 F I believe, I'll go check the package to confirm.

firebird77clone:
If I remember correctly O'Reillys didn't have any hotter than 180, but I'm sure there's some online, I'll go check it out. I'm pretty sure I had the old one installed correctly, although that would be pretty hilarious if it was backwards. I had it installed the same direction as this photo:



rspears:
Oh no worries, it's all been a cool learning experience. I believe the old thermostat I took out was rated at 180 also, would I be ok drilling the hole and re-installing the old one? Sounds like a cool idea, quick question, is there any way to drain the upper radiator hose so I don't get coolant everywhere when I take the water neck off?

Originally Posted by megamax42

I believe the old thermostat I took out was rated at 180 also, would I be ok drilling the hole and re-installing the old one? Sounds like a cool idea, quick question, is there any way to drain the upper radiator hose so I don't get coolant everywhere when I take the water neck off?

The old one seemed to be sticking, so why would you consider re-installing it? Throw it away!! If you get the engine warm before you open the drain cock on the radiator the coolant will drop below the water neck and you shouldn't lose much at all. If you drain it cold the t-stat will be closed, and the upper hose will tend to hold coolant. With the hole it doesn't matter, it'll drain back either way, but slowly.