- Details
- Category: CONSUMER PRODUCTS
- Published on Tuesday, 16 April 2013 13:06
- Written by Super User
- Hits: 2232
Frequently Asked Questions - Thermostats
Thermostats
- What is a thermostat? What purpose does it serve?
- How does a thermostat work?
- How often does a thermostat need to be changed?
- When does a thermostat start to open?
- When is a thermostat fully open?
- Does Stant have a high flow thermostat?
- How do you test a thermostat?
- Why does my engine overheat?
- Why doesn't the passenger compartment in my car heat up?
- Does Stant have a fail safe thermostat?
- What does a jiggle pin do?
- My thermostat has a jiggle pin but the Stant thermostat doesn't. Will a Stant thermostat still work?
What is a thermostat? What purpose does it serve?
The thermostat has two important jobs to perform; to accelerate engine warm-up and to regulate the engine's operating temperature. A quality thermostat ensures excellent fuel economy, reduces engine wear, diminishes emissions and blow-by, improves cold weather drivability, provides adequate heater output, and detours overheating. This is accomplished by blocking the circulation of coolant between the engine and radiator until the engine has reached its predetermined temperature. The thermostat then opens as required in response to changes in coolant temperature to keep the engine's temperature within the desired operating range. return to top
How does a thermostat work?
"Usually located within a metal or plastic housing where the upper radiator hose connects to the engine, most of today’s thermostats utilize the "reverse poppet" design, which opens against the flow of the coolant. Thermostats have a wax filled copper housing or cup called a "heat motor" that pushes the thermostat open against spring pressure.
As the engine's coolant warms up, the increase in heat causes the wax to melt and expand. The wax pushes against a piston inside a rubber boot. This forces the piston outward to open the thermostat. Within 3 or 4 degrees F. of the thermostat preset/rated temperature which is usually marked on the thermostat, the thermostat begins to unseat so coolant can start to circulate between the engine and radiator. It continues to open until engine cooling requirements are satisfied. It is fully open about 15-20 degrees above its rated temperature. If the temperature of the circulating coolant begins to drop, the wax element contracts, allowing spring tension to close the thermostat, thus decreasing coolant flow through the radiator. "
