Need new thermastat?

[sage2k]

Sometimes my car doesnt warm up all the way when i drive to or from work (10 miles, 15-25 mins) it barely gets to the "N" in NORMAL.
Thats not too good right? Can that affect gas mileage, especially city? Sometimes it heats up fine tho, my dad said it might be a sticking thermostat...i hear its cheap anyways so how do i replace one and where do i find it?

Also wheres a good site to buy one? A decent quality one if it makes a difference

and if its not a thermostat what can it be

also perhaps it may be just a gauge issue? I think my tach gauge is starting to flake out (rarely it will ****e high but no change in engine..)

 

[Green 94 5.0]

you can get one at any auto parts store. if you live in a place with hot summers i would recommend a 180* stat. as far as changing it, it is in the water neck on the lower intake right where the upper radiator hose is. drain the coolant, remove the 2 bolts, clean the gasket surface of both the intake and the water neck, replace the thermostat and gasket (using rtv here would be a good idea), and bolt it back on. it is extremely easy.

 

[bjl95mustang]

You can also use a wet dry vac to drain the coolant. It makes less of a mess.

 

[DFG 5OH]

any cons to getting a 180* stat?

 

[mo_dingo]

I don't think so. The ECT will compensate for any changes in engine temperature.

And the O2 sensors are warmed with from 12V current, so they wont be effected.

To be honest, if the car is running that cool all the time, that is a good thing. Trust me. But if you think it's the gauge, install an aftermarket one, and see what temps you are seeing.
Scott

 

[HISSIN50]

Scott is right on. If you truly are running cool, that is good (an SN would he hard-pressed to not make it to full CL operation). But, as said, the gauge might be fooling you.

Mr Gasket makes a nice quality stat. They are 10 bucks here locally, or under 9 bucks at online speed shops.
I try not to run anything but them - you might feel the same after you compare one to a part's store stat.

Good luck.

 

[sage2k]

well if its a thermostat sticking causing it to be that cool, cant it stick the other way, prevent flow, and cause overheating? Last thing I need is to get stuck on the side of the interstate...i hope its a thermostat cause i dont really want to get a new gauge right now

 

[HISSIN50]

Yeah, get a new one. Sure it could stick whereever it wants too.

it sounds like yours might not be totally jambed up, but seeing a restricted range of motion. If, for instance, the system had big air pockets in it, the steam bantering at the back of the stat, can damage it (knock it out of calibration).

Do a new stat and have that peace of mind, IMHO.
Good luck.

 

[legalize420]

You can also use a wet dry vac to drain the coolant. It makes less of a mess.

i wish i would have known this when i did my intake swap. a bucket doesnt work to well. i think i got more on me and the floor than in the bucket. at least i know what im going to do next time i have to drain it. thanks