A closed thermostat can lead to many awful problems for your car. The most terrible one is that the flow of coolant can’t pass the radiator and can make your engine temperature really high.
In this case, it’s time for you to unstick a bad thermostat. But how to unstick a thermostat in a car?
Don’t worry if you don’t know where and how to start, as we’re here to help you with that. This article will guide you on how to fix a stuck thermostat.
I’ll give you in-depth information about this troubleshooting process and a step-by-step guide to displacing a bad thermostat in your vehicle.
What Does The Thermostat In A Car Do?
In most automobiles, the thermostat’s location is inside the thermostat housing.
This is where the engine block links to the upper radiator hose. Although it is only a small part, it is very important in the engine coolant system.
The main function of the thermostat is to close the coolant flow when the system temperature is below the specified level.
Similarly, it opens the valve to let the coolant fluid go into the cooler when the operating temperature is higher than the specified level.
As a result, the engine management system can start quickly to increase the working temperature, stabilize the temperature gauge, ensure fuel economy, and avoid environmental pollution at the early stage of the engine.
What Happens When A Thermostat Sticks?
Here are some problems you might face.
A Stuck-Closed Thermostat
When the thermostat sticks in a closed position, catastrophic issues may arise. Coolant passage is disrupted, and coolant cannot reach the radiator to cool it, causing engine overheating.
In this circumstance, your engine will not receive any cooling help. The hot engine will continue to heat up, warming up the adjacent coolant and eventually overheating.
A Stuck-Open Thermostat
Open-stuck thermostat failure means it doesn’t retain the fluid level inside long enough. Therefore, it is difficult to get your automobile warmed up.
There are limits on both the lowest and highest temperatures. Engines dislike running cold, so many leave their cars idling in the winter.
The general problem with a bad thermostat is it cannot keep the temperature gauge at a stable lever (at about 220 – 230 degrees Fahrenheit).
Do not use the vehicle when you face a car thermostat sticking. What you should do is a thermostat replacement. So for a thermostat stuck closed quick fix, what can you do?
How To Unstick A Thermostat In A Car
Can you unstick a thermostat? Yes, of course. But before getting started, it’s important to prepare necessary items to ensure your safety. Now, here’s what you’ll need:
- Drain bucket
- Selection of wrenches
- Coolant
- New thermostat
As swapping the thermostat is a straightforward procedure and doesn’t cost much money, you may wish to do this task first before resorting to more serious measures.
Just make sure your engine is absolutely cold before proceeding.
Step 1: Find your thermostat.
Usually, the thermostat is built where the top radiator hose links with the engine. Look at that place in your car. If you can’t find it, it’s highly likely that the thermostat is located in the bottom radiator pipe.
Step 2: Place a bucket under where you’re working.
Some fluid will leak, so you should have a bucket nearby to capture it and restore it to the radiator when you’re through.
Step 3: Remove the clamp.
Step 4: Pull off the hose.
Step 5: Remove the old thermostat.
Examine the new one and its gasket alongside the old set. If the new thermostat and the gasket do not agree with the used one, return to the retailer to get the correct ones.
Step 6: Lay the new gasket in place.
Remove the gasket that was surrounding the hole in which the thermostat was situated. Scrape away any stuck parts of the gasket, but take care not to accidentally cause them to drop into the hole!
Step 7: Put in and secure the new thermostat.
Remember to put the spring-side down; after that, change the bolts.
Step 8: Replace the hose and hose clamp.
Screw your hose clamp down securely but not so tightly that it cuts through the hose.
Step 9: Replace any fluid leaking from the hose.
Make cautious not to spill it on the surface where it might hurt children or animals. If you unintentionally spill fluid, remove it well before hosing down the area, and then dispose of the rag inside and seal the bag.
What Causes The Thermostat to Stick?
Low Coolant Level
The thermostat may become stuck if the coolant level drops. Coolant supports the heat removal from the car’s engine.
Thus, the engine may get sieved or overheated once there is insufficient coolant. The usage of an overheated engine may cause the thermostat to stick and other issues.
Old Or Dirty Engine Oil
Old or unclean engine oil can cause the thermostat to become stuck when closed, preventing coolant from properly circulating.
It’s advisable to keep an eye on your engine oil level then top it off as needed.
When you find the filter not working properly or there is dirt build-up on it, you can change the oil filter without changing oil, though changing both is recommended.
Coolant Needs A Replacement
A thermostat can become stuck in one position due to old coolant. This is due to the coolant’s inability to flow in a free manner.
When this occurs, the thermostat may become stuck when open. The engine will overheat as a result of this. To avoid this, it is critical to update the coolant every several years.
A Defective Thermostat
A malfunctioning thermostat can be attributed to its low quality and fault codes. You get what you pay for, so a cheap thermostat can turn out to be trash and cause problems for your driving experience.
How to Tell That the Thermostat Is Stuck
Signs Of Damage To The Thermostat Valve
Engine Overheating
Coolant will not flow into the radiator if the thermostat is closed, causing engine overheating. When cars operate in this condition for too long, there is a risk that the engine will be completely destroyed.
Unusual Temperature Changes
Users should regularly monitor the temperature gauge on the control panel. If a sharp needle falls, it may be due to a fault in the car thermostat.
Leakage Of Coolant
Another sign that the thermostat has a problem is leaking coolant. When damaged, this part will not allow liquid to flow but is trapped in the closed position.
This can cause coolant to leak through the gasket between the radiator and the reservoir, seep out of the valve housing or through the ductwork, and into the underbody of the vehicle.
How to Check A Stuck Thermostat
Before removing the thermostat from the vehicle, check the coolant temperature and flow rate.
First, you should start the car and allow the engine to idle, then open the bonnet and remove the radiator cap.
If the coolant leaks out, the thermostat is stuck. In case the water does not flow, wait until the car engine warms up to the appropriate temperature and see the results in 10-20 minutes.
But if the coolant is still not flowing and the temperature gauge rises, then the thermostat valve is having a problem.
Alternatively, to check the temperature of the coolant, the user can start with the radiator and the engine cooling.
You start the engine and use the thermometer to read the temperature in the engine block or cylinder head.
Then, proceed to check the temperature of the upper radiator pipe. If the temperature does not rise much, the thermostat valve is stuck.
In case the radiator hose remains at the same temperature but the gauge on the control panel increases suddenly, the thermostat valve is also in trouble at this time.
To check the thermostat on the outside of the car, you can put it in a pot of water on the stove, hang the thermostat half-submerged in the water tank, and do not let it fall to the bottom of the pot.
At this time, observe the temperature change on the thermometer.
If the thermostat is still closed when the water has boiled in the range of 190 – 195 degrees F, then this valve is damaged and needs to be replaced.
Conclusion
The thermostat, in particular, and the cooling system, in general, are the important parts of cars during operation. A stuck thermostat might cause severe issues to your vehicles.
We hope our blog has given you a clear guide on how to unstick a thermostat in a car and you can do it on your own after reading this one.
You should regularly monitor for signs of damage to the thermostat to conduct maintenance and repair when necessary. This is to ensure that the car always operates stably.
Investing in required automobile upkeep is never unnecessary. In return, you may enjoy a smoother journey without fear of unexpected mishaps.