Change that Thermostat!

[Ricky_doodle]

well,i changed my thermostat some time back,bcoz i had to....it stopped working in the middle of orchard rd with bumper to bumper traffic on a super hot and humid sunday afternoon....temperature needle went all the way to the red....

 

at first i didn't know it was the thermostat that was causing the overheating...so i thought i had to top up water....then found that the water was trapped in the reservoir.....

 

checked with the mechanic the next day then he told me that the thermostat was dead.....

 

just sharing my experience.....

 

Rick

[Turbobrick]

If U're not doing any hi-po upgrades like forced induction or re-stroking your engine the lower temp thermostat is not necessary.

 

Lower operating engine temps may decrease fuel economy as the engine is not running at it's effective temp.

[Nilkz]

Ok,

 

roger that, thanks.

[Koolaba]

Hi TB,

 

When u flush your radiator, did u unscrew a nut on the engine block to release the coolant, in addition to the drain plug on the radiator? Do you need to release & tighten a particular air valve also?

Edited August 5, 2002 by Koolaba

[Turbobrick]

Yup released a valve on the engine block and disconnected the lower radiator hose and pumped water through the entire engine block and radiator until clear water came out.

[Koolaba]

Do u know where to buy those tools which can release the clips securing the radiator hose (or is your brick using screws?)? Also, do u know where to buy those size 14 spanners with circular head & handle which can be angled flexibly?

[Turbobrick]

Tools are plentiful at ACE Hardware Novena Sq.

 

My brick uses the binding hose clips that are released by flat-head screwdriver or size 7 socket.

[Koolaba]

Hi TB,

 

Which coolant is the best, in your opinion? Heard that MB coolant is not bad, but I'm afraid it might be too strong for Jap radiators to take it. Which brand of coolant do u use on your Brick?

 

Do u pay special attention to what additives are in the coolant concentrate coolant eg silicates to prevent corrosion, lubricate water pump etc etc?

[Turbobrick]

I personally use the MB coolant or any low silicate formula "branded" coolants. So far tried CITGO (from US) and MB only.

 

I suggest a mix of 30% coolant / 70% water for our climate as we need not protect against freezing and if the thermostat is working it won't boil up past 30% coolant's temp.

[Koolaba]

Where to get CITGO coolant? How much does it cost?

Edited August 11, 2002 by Koolaba

[Turbobrick]

I got the CITGO coolant from the Pacific Petroleum. $11 for a gallon's worth (undiluted)

[Kungfu]

I did my thermostat change and cooling system flush today and when I removed the old thermostat out of the housing the bladdy thing snapped in two!

 

5yrs and although the car warms up and runs at normal temp, this breakage of the old thermostat spelled trouble if I had waited longer for the change.

 

I guess 4-5yrs is a good time to change the thermostat, just my 2 cents.

 

wau lau,how to self chge thermostat?????????????

 

[Kungfu]

I did my thermostat change and cooling system flush today and when I removed the old thermostat out of the housing the bladdy thing snapped in two!

 

5yrs and although the car warms up and runs at normal temp, this breakage of the old thermostat spelled trouble if I had waited longer for the change.

 

I guess 4-5yrs is a good time to change the thermostat, just my 2 cents.

 

wau lau,how to self chge thermostat?????????????

 

[Lteoh]

Good thing you did, It is worthwhile to change the Volvo Thermostat and Radiator just before the 5th year.