Thermostat replacement, what not to do.

[george gonzalez]

So winter was coming on, so I thought, hmmm, my 1996 Integra is not showing much rise on the temp guage, the needle doesnt go more than 1/4 inch above “Cold”, hmm, and I’ve never replaced the thermostat, so maybe that’s a good idea.

I remove what I can that is in the way, the intake air duct, a hose or two, and I get the old thermostat out.

Sure enough, at room temperature, it’s open about halfway. It’s bad. That’s probably why the engine has been running a bit cold.

So I go to the auto parts place and get a new thermostat. $14. Not too shabby. And this one is shiny and it’s closed at room temp! Super.

I grumble a bit putting it in, but everything goes okay. Well, not quite, I drop a small hose clamp into an inaccessible spot. Make a mental note to get a new one tomorrow. It’s not really crucial as it’s an intake air hose for some unknown purpose.

So I run the car for a few days and yes, now the temp guage goes up nearly halfway and the heater puts out a lot more heat.

HOWEVER, it’s now 3 weeks later, and the guage is back to it’s old low level and the heat is not so intense anymore.

Eric has suggested before that we use high-grade OEM thermostats, and now I think I see why. Cheap ones are crap! At least in my experience.

Now I have the unhappy task of replacing the thermostat with cold, cold fingers.

Actually, I probably will just put a big piece of cardboard in front of the radiator and watch the temp guage until spring.

I never learn, you cut corners and you often, get cut.

Topic

[Kevin Criswell]

I don’t know Greg, $14 for a t-stat means you likely bought a premium aftermarket one. It should not fail so soon after, I think you either just happened to get a bad one (and that sucks) or maybe some air in the system.

The jiggle pin was pointed up right? and the bleeder bolt taken out?

BTW they really weird thing is your stock T-stat opening temp is very low at 172F

[EricTheCarGuy]

Don’t put cardboard in front of the radiator. Instead, check to see if you have air in the cooling system. If you did not bleed the system after you replaced the thermostat, then it’s likely you have air trapped in the system.

Yes, OE thermostats are the way to go, especially on that vehicle. BTW, the B series is famous for thermostat problems so you’re not alone on this one.

Here’s a video on bleeding the cooling system that might help.

[Author]

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