A LITTLE ABOUT THERMOSTATS

The thermostat is the “brains” or control center of your engines cooling system.

The minimum temperature of the engine coolant is controlled by a thermostat mounted in the water outlet passage of the engine. When the coolant temperature is below the thermostat-rated temperature, the thermostat remains closed and the coolant is held in the engine block or directed through the radiator-bypass hose to the water pump. When the coolant heats the thermostat opens and coolant flow is directed to the top of the radiator. The radiator dissipates the excess engine heat before the coolant is recirculated through the engine. All automotive thermostats open at predetermined temperatures. Your vehicle should always have the correct thermostat installed and should never be driven without a thermostat as there would be no control of the engine temperature. All quality thermostats will have their opening temperature marked on them.

A “high temperature” thermostat does not indicate that it is designed for hot weather.

A high temperature thermostat is a tool designed to increase engine performance and improve fuel efficiency by increasing the engine operating temperatures. A hotter engine burns less fuel and a hotter engine oil produces less sludge.

Be aware though, your engines condition will be a factor before installing a high temperature thermostat. Installing one in a weak and worn engine can cause damage, especially head gasket failure.  

Thermostat failure is uncommon and when a thermostat fails it is usually stuck in the open position which reduces the engine coolant temperature causing an increase in fuel consumption due to cool condensed unburned fuel passing through the cylinders. Thermostats stuck in the closed position will of course cause an overheating engine condition although overheating engines are usually more commonly due to a loss of engine coolant or a clogged radiator.

A thermostat can be easily tested by placing it in water heated to about 25 degrees above the temperature stamped on the thermostat. Submerge the thermostat and agitate the water. The valve should open fully. Next place the thermostat in water heated to about 10 degrees below the temperature stamped on the thermostat. The valve should close completely. If the thermostat fails either of these tests it should be replaced.

We offer thermostats in two temperature ranges, standard and high temperature and two quality options, economy and heavy duty superstats. We also sell reverse poppet thermostats and jiggle pin valve thermostats.

Reverse poppet thermostats open against the flow of the coolant from the water pump. The coolant, under the water pump pressure, is used to help the reverse poppet thermostat remain closed when cool to reduce leakage. Jiggle pin thermostats are equipped with a special valve in the flange which allows the trapped air in the system to escape and permits the venting of air from the system when filling it with coolant. The jiggle pin thermostat is especially useful on engines without a water bypass system such as the L-4-134 flat head four and the L-6-226 flat head six.

$ 26.50

$ 26.50