Tstat not opening
#1
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Car: 1986 Camaro
Engine: Stock 350
Transmission: 700r4
Tstat not opening
I'm having a problem with my thermostat not opening when I crank my car up and warm it up. It will overheat if I let it and I've confirmed by feeling the upper hose that it's not opening. Weird part is if you cut it off for five minutes, it opens and will run fine at around 180 degrees. I've bought two thermostats and taken one out of my truck that I know is good. They all do the same thing. My car is an 86 Camaro with a carbed stock 350. Thanks in advance for your help.
#3
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Car: 1986 Camaro
Engine: Stock 350
Transmission: 700r4
Re: Tstat not opening
Electric. It's not that though. It's the thermostat not opening. The upper radiator hose stays cold until you cut the car off for a few minutes. Then crank it back up and it opens and runs at180 after that.
#5
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Car: 92 Camaro RS
Engine: LO3
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: stock
Re: Tstat not opening
What makes you think it will overheat? And what degree temp are the thermostats you're using?
#6
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Re: Tstat not opening
After replacing the thermostat, what's your refill procedure?
1. Engine cold, open the radiator cap and add coolant until full.
2. Leave the cap off and start the engine. The coolant level may fall.
3. Continue to top off coolant until the thermostat opens; carefully look into the radiator neck. When the thermostat opens, you'll see coolant flowing out of the tubes into the side tank. The flow should be substantial, not a trickle.
4. Top off coolant after the thermostat closes.
5. Repeat 3. & 4. allowing the thermostat to open and close a few times. This should be more than enough to purge the air out of the system.
6. Install the cap.
7. Top off the overflow tank.
8. Shut off the engine.
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#8
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Car: 1987 SC/1985 TA
Engine: 350/vortec/fitech
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt
Re: Tstat not opening
a small hole, drilled into the side of the t-stat will prevent air bubbles from forming and alleviate any concern as to proper fill procedures.
#9
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Re: Tstat not opening
i agree about drilling a small hole. i usually drill 3 small 1/8" holes around the edge.
you might have some plugged up coolant passages? try a good flush of the coolant system, and next time you have the t-stat out, try feeding some weedeater line into the coolant passages to see if theres any built up crud in there.
you might have some plugged up coolant passages? try a good flush of the coolant system, and next time you have the t-stat out, try feeding some weedeater line into the coolant passages to see if theres any built up crud in there.
#10
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Car: 1984 firebird se
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 373
Re: Tstat not opening
Hopefully you looked at this... is the t-stat in the correct way? Sounds as though it is upside down. That would allow it to open after it becomes heat soaked. Sounds silly - it has happened before - don't ask how I know. Byron
#11
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Car: 1986 Camaro
Engine: Stock 350
Transmission: 700r4
Re: Tstat not opening
Thanks for all the responses. I've been sick for most of the week. I took the thermostat out today and drilled a 1/8" hole in the side. It is doing slightly better. Thanks for all the help!