Thermostat

Tiny
DANA_GUAM
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 ACURA INTEGRA
  • 4 CYL
How can I tell if a Thermostat is Bad? I just replaced it in Aug. Of 2010. I have problems with my 1997 Acura Integra overheating. This morning I opened up my radiator cap and started the car and saw that the coolant was moving like it was running threw the radiator and engine. Dose that mean my Thermostat is open?
Monday, March 14th, 2011 AT 8:02 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 POSTS
Yup. It's circulating. It shouldn't do that until the engine is warmed up.
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Monday, March 14th, 2011 AT 8:14 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
The T-stat is at the end of the lower radiator hose. Feel the temp of that hose near the engine. If it's hot, the stat is open.
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Monday, March 14th, 2011 AT 8:18 PM
Tiny
DANA_GUAM
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
How do I know if it needs to be replaced? When I pull it out can I blow it out with a air compressor and put it back in? Or dose it need to just be replaced?
Thanks So Much for your Answer.
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Monday, March 14th, 2011 AT 8:18 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Sorry Doc, we posted at the same time. You finish.
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Monday, March 14th, 2011 AT 8:20 PM
Tiny
DANA_GUAM
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thanks! When I remove the Thermostat, can I blow it out with a strong air pressure and re-use it? How do I know if it will close or stay open when I put it back in. Or is that not a good idea?
Thanks.
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Monday, March 14th, 2011 AT 8:24 PM
Tiny
DANA_GUAM
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Mr. Wrenchtech, How do I know if it needs to be replaced? When I pull it out can I blow it out with a air compressor and put it back in? Or dose it need to just be replaced? Thanks So Much for your Answer.
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Monday, March 14th, 2011 AT 8:31 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
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No, you can't blow it out with an air hose. That doesn't fix anything. I seriously doubt the stat is your problem. They rarely fail. It needs to be checked out closer to determine what is really wrong with it.
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Monday, March 14th, 2011 AT 8:36 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 POSTS
Look at the plate in the middle to see if coolant could flow through it. It should be closed to block fluid flow. They can stick open but that would be real unusual for a new one. What exactly is the symptom? If the thermostat sticks open, it will take way too long for the engine to reach normal operating temperature. You will also have cool air from the heater.
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Monday, March 14th, 2011 AT 8:40 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Just replace it-its cheap and good preventive maintenance-The fan should kick in @ 220degs. To check, use a DVOM measure the resistances cold and hot-
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Monday, March 14th, 2011 AT 8:40 PM

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