Thermostat Problem

[napkinthief]

I finally decided it was a good idea to change my thermostat last week. I changed it with a replacement from autozone. I am pretty sure I installed it correctly, I did it so the spring part is facing towards the engine. My old thermostat was just a circle ring with a small golden colored pin held up by pieces of metal. Anyway, the one I put in had a spring and a golden pellet. My problem now is my system keeps overflowing itself until there is little coolant left in it, then it starts to overheat on idling, stop lights, etc. I doesn't overheat on long drives, but my upper radiator hose popped off one time. What is going on with my system? Would I be better off leaving the old thermostat in?

 

[lasertim]

It sounds like you have it in backwards and the system is building pressure with no where to go. Look in your haynes or chiltons manual and double check that it is correct because it sure doesnt sound like it is.

 

[robs90tsi]

I also believe you have it installed wrong, Ive never personally replaced a thermostat in these cars, but some have to have the thermostat also facing a certain way as well, not only just with the spring side down, try reversing it.

 

[underpressure25]

Yeah it definately sounds like you installed it backwards, but pull it out and put it in a pot of water, put it on the stove and heat the water and watch to see if it opens up. Sometime youjust get a bad t-stat.

 

[toybreaker]

Been there, done that. I also learned the hard way the value of a good parts man. I got the wrong part, twice.
I would strongly recommend buying your thermostat at the dealer. I've never had an issue with factory parts on these cars. It's certainly more expensive, but the parts are always right, and I can go and bug the guys over in service for advice and info,..

And, besides, I usually gadge a few cookies and some coffee to offset the increased cost.. , but that's just me...