Food for thought: Thermostats (opening, closing temp, old parts)

[RobbMeeX]

So I had been having a sneaking suspicion that my thermostat wasn't up to snuff. My car (95 Toyota Celica ST) never overheated, but temp fluctuated more than I would like (I don't want any fluctuation from city to interstate). So I researched and found the Stant Superstat ($10, made in America) and bought one for my car. I tested it on the stove. 180°f (82°c) open AND close. Tested good so I replaced it. Old one had no sign of anything funny UNTIL I put it on the stove. With my temp gun I measured opening temp at 170°f (76°c) and closing temp was not until 120°f (49°c)! That means when the car is warm its never getting to a good efficient temp. I have been getting 31mpg and have a 340 mile trip to take in a few hours. I hope to see an improvement in mpg based on the new temp. This particular tstat comes with a lifetime warranty so I can replace it in a few years if I sense funny business.

[California98Civic]

Subscribed. I have suspicions about my thermostat too.

[user removed]

I am a firm advocate of OEM thermostats. Most of the Japanese brands seem to fail in the open position which is much better than sticking closed which can fry your engine.
Also they seem to get the engine warm very quickly which reduces cold temp fuel consumption. If you suspect your thermostat I would just replace it with OEM. The price difference, at least to me, does not justify the risk of overheating or running to cold.

regards
Mech

[RobbMeeX]

Stant Superstat boil test

I caught the very end of the opening cuz I messed up the first video.
I agree on OEM parts EXCEPT when I called toyota, the price for my particular tstat was $50! 1/5th the price and a lifetime warranty. I have to accept that there is nothing wrong with buying this product. It takes 10 minutes to change.
Old stock thermostat was up to temp in 4 minutes. (cold over night)
New thermostat was up to temp in 2. (cooled after initial warming this morning)
Not quite scienific, but so far so good.

[RobbMeeX]

Next fill showed 37.4, then the next pump overfilled and dumped a bit of gas at 2am. I was super pissed and don't have any verifiable numbers. Will stay updated, but its all gonna be intown numbers...