thermostat stuck open?

[96eclipseawd]

I've noticed that it's been taking alot longer time for my heat to get hot. I just installed a new FAZE water temp gauge, and it's reading 140-150F while cruising at 60mph, sometimes lower. When I'm at idle, it goes to 210F, the fan kicks on and goes back down to 190. Fan kicks off it goes back to 210F, and so on. Coolant level is full. Thermostat bad or could it be something else?

 

[illeffekt vr-4]

Could be stuck open. They're cheap, so replace it anyways.

 

[romeen]

With the engine cold, remove radiator cap and start the car. If you see the coolant circulating while motor is cold then the t-stat is stuck open.

Where did you place your aftermarket coolant temp sensor? If it's located in the t-stat housing ABOVE the thermostat (radiator side of t-stat) then it may take longer for it to show normal operating temp.

 

[96eclipseawd]

I just wired it to the stock temp sensor. I took it out and it was the same that came in the kit, so i just used it. I know it's getting that cold because the stock temp sensor drops low to. I'll go take the cap off and check now, it should be cold already.

Just checked it, looks like it is flowing, but slowly. Guess that means I do need a new one. Should i get this at a dealer or would a local parts store part be ok? Dealer is an extra 1 1/2 hr. drive

 

[dsmspickdad]

At the local parts store. however check the gasket to make sure it's the correct one.

 

[96eclipseawd]

I have a new gates 170F laying around somewhere. Is that too cold?Ii believe oem is 190f thermostat.

 

[illeffekt vr-4]

170* is still better than the 140-150 you're seeing now.

 

[romeen]

Stock is 195*. I personally recommend staying with the stock temp rating although since you live in FL you could probably get away with a lower temp t-stat and runk o.k.

You should be fine with an aftermarket t-stat. I've tested my Stant 195* t-stat, it opens at 196*. Make sure you install it with the jiggle valve (or it may have a "dent" in the outer lip) in the proper orientation at 12 o'clock.

 

[turbosax2]

Stock on a 2g is 180*, not 195*.

 

[brownfinger]

I had a thermostat that was bad. Car took too long to warm-up. I got a new one, took ot the old one, and to my suprise, the old one looked closed. I looked really close. There was a tiny crack in U-shaped bracket which holds the spring. The disc was visibly just barely open, as it was slightly out of alignment. If you ever doubt the thermostat, just go buy a new one. We have it easy on our cars. They aren't always so accessible.

 

[96eclipseawd]

Installed the new gates 170* today. Temps are up and it's holding, thx again!