Should've known better...

[kalidromos13]

So I'm driving home from work and my temp gauge spiked to 260 on the head, was reading about 190 on the water pump...then it cooled back down and then spiked again! So now I'm like WTF get home and water is slightly gushing into the overflow tank...let it cool down, take off the thermostat housing then I find this

Broken thermostat!! I should've known better to buy a Mr. Gasket "high performance" thermostat. Just got back walking to my local parts store and got a new Stant 195° stat. Hopefully they have better QC. About to go on a test cruise! Hopefully this solved my issue.

 

[pontiacgp]

if you're in the Mojave desert why are you putting in a 195° thermostat?. I have a Stant 180° thermostat and that is the only brand I will use.

 

[TURNA]

Have to agree 195 is too high.

 

[pontiacgp]

if your Stant thermostat comes with a brass valve remove the valve and if there is no brass valve drill a 3/16" hole in that location

 

[kalidromos13]

I run a 195° stat because that's what I've always used. At least that's what stock replacement calls for for my model year. What are your reasons for thinking its too hot? I've never had any problems, even in 110° weather out here, until this. My gauge runs straight in the middle. And plus I've read higher temps equals better fuel efficiency. I just drove it in to work today and no problems. So far haha

 

[pontiacgp]

What gauge do you have?. Thermostats don't open until they are 5-10° higher than the rating so a 195° would not open till at least 200° which is not that hot but some systems have a hard time holding the temp and to bring it back down. Also if you have an electric fan the open and close temperatures would have to be higher then 200° or the fan would be on constantly

 

[kalidromos13]

I have two, a stock temp gauge in my cluster and a mechanical gauge in the water pump. Tested the system during my break, gets up to just a bit above 220, thermostat opens, fan comes on. Cools down and fan shuts off. It works great!! I use a BMW temp switch 190° on 175° off for the slow fan and a 205° (can't remember exactly) for the high speed fan. Been using a 195° t-stat for years. In my cutlass as well and that has AC, never overheated. Even on sweltering hot days.

 

[Bar50]

I agree with the 195*, there are two theories, one is cooler temp opens up faster, or sooner, it does (in my experience, they just stay open from there). Higher temp holds the thermostat closed longer, giving water more time to exchange heat in the radiator.

I would drill the weep hole.

 

[pontiacgp]

I agree with the 195*, there are two theories, one is cooler temp opens up faster, or sooner, it does (in my experience, they just stay open from there). Higher temp holds the thermostat closed longer, giving water more time to exchange heat in the radiator.

I would drill the weep hole.

if you want to do a °.......just hold down alt and key in 0176

 

[kalidromos13]

Bar50 that was the first thing I did, I've read up on the arguments of whether a 195° or 180°, I've tried a 180 in the past, but I don't remember why I took it off. Either way, it works now and it's 86° out here in Santa Clarita, so no issues yet. I'll find out when I take my lunch and grab some in n out. (Lines ate super long so it'll be a good test)