Thermostat Question

[Hooptie]

How far should the thermostat open? I'm having an overheating issue and just going through everything before I start pulling my hair out.

I replaced the old thermostat with a new one but outta curiosity I put it(the old) in a double boiler and heated the water to 195*. The old thermostat only opened maybe a few 32'ds and took approx. 5mins to open. Is that normal or should it open a little bit more?

I've read the other thread on the overheating issues and taking the steps like I said to find the problem just hoping the radiator is not gunked up inside.

[MERCULES]

Have you followed the steps to properly burp the system?

[Hooptie]

Have you followed the steps to properly burp the system?
Yes I have.

[EMAS]

How far a thermostat opens is dependent on the temp of the coolant. It should reach the full open position at about 10 degrees above the stated temp. So by 195 a 188 degree stat if it is indeed the factory unit should be fully open which is certainly much more than a few 32nds. Now if it is an aftermarket thermostat which is frequently a generic 195 degree thermostat then a few 32nds may be all you see. Are there any markings on the old thermostat? A thermostat should respond in a matter of seconds, not minutes.

So yeah if it was the factory unit I'd say you found a reason for it to have been running hot.

A better test would have been to put both in the pot of boiling water and compare their operation.

[Hooptie]

How far a thermostat opens is dependent on the temp of the coolant. It should reach the full open position at about 10 degrees above the stated temp. So by 195 a 188 degree stat if it is indeed the factory unit should be fully open which is certainly much more than a few 32nds. Now if it is an aftermarket thermostat which is frequently a generic 195 degree thermostat then a few 32nds may be all you see. Are there any markings on the old thermostat? A thermostat should respond in a matter of seconds, not minutes.

So yeah if it was the factory unit I'd say you found a reason for it to have been running hot.

A better test would have been to put both in the pot of boiling water and compare their operation.Thanks EMAS. The thermometer in the dbl boiler was reading 215* and like I said the old thermostat only opened a few 32d's in 3mins. so I figured it was bad. Already replaced with a Reische 170*. Still running hot even though I've burped the system a few times. Just wondering if the water pump is going bad or if the radiator is clogged. Car's an '04 and has 164K on the clock. We shall see. :depress:

[Ourobos]

Have you removed the radiator cover(s) and made sure no debris is between the radiator and condensor? Zack had that advice for me and I believe it has helped mine. I will be doing a thermostat next anyways, I have 186k on mine.

[Hooptie]

Have you removed the radiator cover(s) and made sure no debris is between the radiator and condensor? Zack had that advice for me and I believe it has helped mine. I will be doing a thermostat next anyways, I have 186k on mine.
Not yet going to look at it today.

[RF Overlord]

FYI, for those not already aware, the OEM thermostat for the Marauder is 188°.