Do you remove the thermostat when you flush the cooling system?
The reason you need to remove the thermostat is to have bigger flow even when the engine is cool. If your thermostat is hard to get to you could just omit this step. I usually replace the thermostat every time I flush the cooling system.
Where does the coolant go in an engine?
Coolant is what circulates through the cooling system to cool your engine so it doesn’t overheat. The coolant flows from the radiator, through the water pump into the engine block, where the hot engine gets cooled. Then it gets pumped out of the engine block through the thermostat back into the radiator.
When do you need to change your coolant?
Any pH reading of 7 or below, definitely means that you need to change your coolant because the acidic coolant will eat away your gaskets such as your head gasket, and also eat away your rubber hoses. So all you’re going to do is just dunk the test into the radiator, pull it out and just match up your color to the color that’s on the packing.
What does the thermostat in a car do?
The thermostat in your engine controls the u001eflow of coolant. When the engine is cold, the thermostat closes. This allows coolant to circulate through the engine block and the heater core in your car, but not the radiator.
What should I drain before replacing the thermostat on my car?
Drain about two quarts of coolant using the radiator drain valve before disconnecting the upper radiator hose from the thermostat shell. This will bring the coolant level to below the thermostat housing and prevent coolant from splashing over belts and other components after separating the upper radiator hose.
What to do if your car thermostat is not working?
If you start noticing issues with the thermostat check the coolant levels. When you put the coolant into the coolant tank, note where the level of the coolant falls. There should be a fill line on the side of the coolant tank or some way for you to measure the levels.
What happens if you put too much coolant on a thermostat?
Using too much sealant may damage an oxygen sensor and disrupt engine performance. Some thermostats come with a rubber seal instead of a traditional gasket. Before installing, apply a light coat of fresh coolant to the seal. Some models use a liquid gasket instead.
Do you run the thermostat cold or hot?
This will allow easier bleeding, as you can fill the car with coolant and it will be able to burp through the thermostat cold. Typically you fill the coolant, run the car, wait for the thermostat to open up and keep topping up the coolant.