Car Thermostat Issues – Is Your Engine Coolant Flowing Properly

Thermostat Issues - Is Your Engine Coolant Flowing Properly
Thermostat Issues - Is Your Engine Coolant Flowing Properly

So, having car thermostat issues, can cause your engine coolant temperature, to change erratically.

Sometimes, car thermostat issues, can prohibit engine coolant, from flowing normally.

When required, the thermostat regulates the exact flow of engine coolant, that must pass through the radiator. Above all, to insure a constant and optimal, engine operating temperature.

Firstly, having car thermostat issues, is something that needs to be fixed, as soon as possible. It’s a relatively simple part, but it’s also a wear-and-tear item, that needs to be replaced periodically.

Your engines thermostat is a crucial part, of your car’s cooling system. Because, it plays a significant role in regulating, the engine’s temperature. It controls the flow of coolant, between the engine and the radiator. So, if the engine is cold, the thermostat stays closed, to let it warm up. However, as the engine heats up, the thermostat gradually opens, to allow coolant to reach the radiator.

A failing car thermostat, is usually one that is just, not opening or closing properly. And, could also be just, stuck open or stuck closed.

So, what car thermostat issues, could cause your thermostat to stick open or closed ?

First Of All, Let’s Determine If  You Are Actually Having, Car Thermostat Issues.

Car Thermostat Issues - Is Your Engine Coolant Flowing Properly
Car Thermostat Issues – Is Your Engine Coolant Flowing Properly

A thermostat could stick open if, the return spring breaks or debris prevents the thermostat, from fully closing.

Consequently, this allows a steady flow of coolant to the radiator, resulting in an over cooled engine. This results in poor warm up and heater performance, increased engine emissions and reduced fuel economy.

A thermostat could stick closed if, the wax element has been damaged by, overheating or corrosion.

Possible overheating from loss of coolant, a defective electric cooling fan or fan clutch. Furthermore, this failure prevents the flow of coolant to the radiator, possibly overheating the engine and causing damage. That’s why, when an engine overheats, it’s a good idea to replace the thermostat, avoiding more thermostat issues.

NOTE: The consequences of an “open failure” may be less catastrophic, than those of a “closed failure”.

But, are still bad car thermostat issues.

Car Thermostat Issues
Thermostat Illustration

So, How Do I Know If My Thermostat Is Stuck ? And, Is It Closed or Opened ?

One Way Is By Checking The Coolant Flow:

  • Start off with a cold engine.
  • Remove the radiator cap.
  • Start up the engine and let it idle.
  • Verify that the coolant is not flowing.
  • You can check this by looking through, the radiator filler neck.
  • The coolant should, not be flowing.
  • Consequently, the coolant has not reached a high enough temperature, to open the thermostat.

If you see the coolant flowing, you have a thermostat stuck in the opened position, causing more thermostat issues. As a result, you need a new thermostat.

  • But, if the coolant is not flowing, let it run for about 20 minutes, to reach operating temperature.
  • About this time, you should see the coolant through the radiator filler neck, beginning to flow.
  • Consequently, the coolant begins to flow, because it has reached a high enough temperature, to open the thermostat.

If you don’t see the coolant flowing, you have car thermostat issues, a thermostat stuck in the closed position. As a result, you need a new thermostat.

Consequently, if the coolant begins to flow and the temperature stays normal your good.

Coolant In Rad
Coolant In Rad

But, if the engine overheats, you have another problems affecting the cooling system.

Other Possible Causes Of Overheating May Be:

  • Clogged coolant passages
  • Improper air/fuel mixture or ignition timing
  • Bad thermostat ( Thermostat Issues )
  • Low coolant level
  • Collapsed radiator hose
  • Bad radiator fan
  • Clogged radiator
  • Cooling system leaks
  • Loose water pump belt
  • Worn-out water pump belt
  • Bad water pump
  • Bad rad cap
Car Thermostat Issues
Thermostat Break Down

Conclusion

So, overheating always seems to happen, at the worst time, in the worst possible place. And, if you keep a car long enough, at some point, you will have car thermostat issues. Finally, overlooked, ignored or unchecked, cooling problems, will end up leading to big expenses. Stay tuned for new technology, MAP controlled thermostats. Possibly leading to even more thermostat issues.

Thank You !