What Causes a Thermostat malfunction

[Nigel]

Hello, about 3 months ago I replaced the thermostat on my 2002 3.1L Grand Prix. I now have the same symptoms and plan on replacing it again. what are the reasons it could be failing, other than the obvious “faulty part” There is no obvious coolant leaks and the engine is not milky. Thanks

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[Shaun_300]

Man that sucks bud! The 3.1/3.4’s are well known for intake and head gasket problems, have repaired a countless number of them at the dealership. Wish you were closer than Waterloo, I’d help you out if we had a spot to work on it.

[Nigel]

Thanks for the info everyone. I Didn’t think $1000 was too much for the job considering what it involved just more than i’m willing to spend on that car. I also have heard the same symptoms can be a cracked head. so I didn’t want to put that money in to find out the hard way that i would need to spend lots more $$$. My in-laws let me park it at there ranch where i could take it apart and mess around with it considering i couldn’t wreck it i just kinda did an “autopsy”. I’ve spent about 4 hours on it so far. It is out side so I was limited by light and it was – 11 (Celsius) so i got chilly. I’ve tried to take everything apart as if i were to put it back together but i’m 99% sure shes getting towed away sometime soon 🙁 I liked that car. Thanks again for the help, I’ll keep you posted if anything miraculous happens.

[EricTheCarGuy]

It’s sad that it seems to be working out that way for you. Keep us posted if you find the cause before it drives away. Head gasket failures are usually easy to spot. Look for the cylinder(s) that’s the cleanest, that’s usually the cylinder(s) where the water leaked in.

[Author]

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