Thermostats explained
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=How does a thermostat work ?= | =How does a thermostat work ?= | ||
| − | + | [[File:Thermostats shaw vs regular 001.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Shaw (left) vs. economy type thermostat]][[File:STATS 001.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A selection of thermostats]]<br style="clear:both"/> | |
===Question posed to Stant:=== | ===Question posed to Stant:=== | ||
(Stant is a well-known manufacturer of thermostats and related automotive parts.) | (Stant is a well-known manufacturer of thermostats and related automotive parts.) | ||
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===The reply:=== | ===The reply:=== | ||
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<blockquote>The opening and closing of a thermostat is based on the temperature of the coolant running against the "heat motor". The heat motor is operated by a special wax that melts at a given temperature. As the wax melts, it expands and hydraulically pushes a pin that opens the valve allowing coolant to flow. I hope this helps. See the attached article for more details. | <blockquote>The opening and closing of a thermostat is based on the temperature of the coolant running against the "heat motor". The heat motor is operated by a special wax that melts at a given temperature. As the wax melts, it expands and hydraulically pushes a pin that opens the valve allowing coolant to flow. I hope this helps. See the attached article for more details. | ||
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'''Thermostats''' | '''Thermostats''' | ||
| − | The thermostat has two important jobs to perform; to accelerate engine warm-up and to regulate the engine's operating temperature. A quality thermostat ensures excellent fuel economy, reduces engine wear, diminishes emissions and blow-by, improves cold weather drivability, provides adequate heater output, and | + | The thermostat has two important jobs to perform; to accelerate engine warm-up and to regulate the engine's operating temperature. A quality thermostat ensures excellent fuel economy, reduces engine wear, diminishes emissions and blow-by, improves cold weather drivability, provides adequate heater output, and can help prevent overheating. This is accomplished by blocking the circulation of coolant between the engine and radiator until the engine has reached its predetermined temperature. The thermostat then opens as required in response to changes in coolant temperature to keep the engine's temperature within the desired operating range. |
Thermostats have a “rated” temperature such as 180F or 195F. This is the temperature the thermostat will start to open, give or take 3 degrees. | Thermostats have a “rated” temperature such as 180F or 195F. This is the temperature the thermostat will start to open, give or take 3 degrees. | ||
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*Torque the thermostat housing bolts evenly and to the manufacturer's recommendations. | *Torque the thermostat housing bolts evenly and to the manufacturer's recommendations. | ||
*To insure air has been removed from the cooling system after replacing a thermostat, be sure to run the engine a few minutes, let it cool, and refill the antifreeze as needed. | *To insure air has been removed from the cooling system after replacing a thermostat, be sure to run the engine a few minutes, let it cool, and refill the antifreeze as needed. | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
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[[Category:Cooling]] | [[Category:Cooling]] | ||
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