Stuck open thermostat

Gems · #1 03-03-2007, 11:39 AM

I've been going crazy with this problem for a couple of weeks... The engine would not come up to temperature... I had recently installed a 180 degree "Fail-safe" thermostat, so I didn't think it was the problem... So I changed the ECT sensor but still had the same trouble...I pulled the "Fail-safe" thermostat and it's stuck open... The car has never even come close to an overheat condition, so this must be a defective thermostat... I put in a standard 195 "Stant" thermostat and all is normal again... Just an FYI for all...

2005chevimpala · #2 03-03-2007, 12:43 PM

How do you guys get the pictures posted on here, I cannot find antway to post any pics.

Gems · #3 03-03-2007, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2005chevimpala

How do you guys get the pictures posted on here, I cannot find antway to post any pics.

I save the pics on "photobucket.com" and then copy and paste the "img" link from photobucket...

57chevyragtop · #4 03-04-2007, 07:55 AM

What Brand was this "failsafe" thermostat? And, you say it only lasted how long? Also thanks for the photo posting info. D`

Gems · #5 03-04-2007, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 57chevyragtop

What Brand was this "failsafe" thermostat? And, you say it only lasted how long? Also thanks for the photo posting info. D`

It's a Motorad brand... It was in the car about 6 months... Supposed to be good quality...

http://www.motoradusa.com/

BNaylor · #6 03-04-2007, 02:21 PM

Bad decision Bob.

Stick with the AC Delco only on a SII 3800.

AC Delco Premium Line Thermostat:

180 - 12TP4D
195 - 12TP4E

Gems · #7 03-04-2007, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnaylor

Bad decision Bob.

Stick with the AC Delco only on a SII 3800.

AC Delco Premium Line Thermostat:

180 - 12TP4D
195 - 12TP4E

Yup, bad decision for sure... I sent an email with the pic to Motorad (for what's it worth)... Right now I have a generic STANT 195 degree t'stat installed... I ordered a GATES Premium 180 deg t'stat from RockAuto... Is the GATES as good as the AC Delco, or should I go to Chevy and buy the OEM part?

BNaylor · #8 03-04-2007, 04:18 PM

I really don't know about the Gates brand thermostats. I only use the Premium Line AC Delco ones, however, not the standard like stock. I've used Stant thermostats before and had good luck with them. I like the Stant radiator caps too. Supposedly better than the stock AC Delco RC-27 cap or crap.

Gems · #9 03-08-2007, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnaylor

I really don't know about the Gates brand thermostats. I only use the Premium Line AC Delco ones, however, not the standard like stock. I've used Stant thermostats before and had good luck with them. I like the Stant radiator caps too. Supposedly better than the stock AC Delco RC-27 cap or crap.

The Gates 180 degree t'stat arrived today... The cars been fine with the Stant 195 t'stat so far... But here's a stupid question for you...

It appears that the rubber gasket (seal) for the t'stat goes around the perimeter of the t'stat flange and then you drop the t'stat and seal into the c'bore hole on the engine... At least that's the way I installed the Stant t'stat and it seemed to fit properly and it does not leak... Is that correct?... I'm used to seeing the gasket go either just above or below the t'stat flange...

57chevyragtop · #10 03-09-2007, 05:49 AM

Well, That's the way it worked on my 92 Lumina 3.1 ltr. The rubber O-ring seal on the thermostat (Stant) lasted 8 years and may still be working as I sold the car 2 years ago. I have never had a problem with Stant and I have used many over the years in many different vehicles. When I first saw the Motorad on Two Guys Garage, I thought it was a neat Idea, but only if it works...I appreciate the heads up from your post. Those Guys promote the Tornado gas saver device too, and you know that is nothing but "snake oil" money down the drain. D`

Gems · #11 03-14-2007, 08:51 AM

Well my next cooling system issue started this morning... With the new t'stat and ECT the engine has been coming up to temperature properly and staying at 195 in all driving conditions... This morning during my drive to work, the low coolant level warning light came on after about 10 minutes of driving... A couple of miles later it turned itself off... I parked the car at work and about 1 hour later popped open the radiator cap... The coolant is only about 1/2 inch below the top of the radiator, clearly above the coolant level sensor... Is this a sign of a gunked up level sensor giving a false reading?

crazy Jim · #12 03-14-2007, 05:15 PM

when my light started coming on and staying on (even though the fluid level was up) I took the sensor out and cleaned the probe and I also cleaned out the well it sits in, I've had no problems since.

Gems · #13 03-14-2007, 08:02 PM

Yeah.... On the drive home the coolant level light came on for about 30 seconds, 10 minutes into the drive, and then turned off again for the rest of the trip home...

What did you use to clean the sensor?... Maybe I don't need to buy a new one...

crazy Jim · #14 03-14-2007, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gems

What did you use to clean the sensor?... Maybe I don't need to buy a new one...

nothin special, just clean it

BNaylor · #15 03-14-2007, 10:13 PM

Here is the coolant level sensor Bob. Clean the part with that metal sensor (side shown).

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