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Trouble after replacing thermostat

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Old Feb 7, 2016 | 05:37 PM
  #1  
scarr001's Avatar
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From: az
Car: 92 camaro rs anniversary edition
Engine: v8 5.0 Tbi
Trouble after replacing thermostat

I changed out the thermostat. I started it with the cap off the radiator for 15 mins, took it for a drive, overheated. Took off cap too soon and it shot all over! Steam Stopped, put cap on...car on or off, temp pegged at hottest... I have done this before successfully, I don't know what I did wrong this time or how to get the temp back down to where it should be.
1992 v8 rs tbi
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Old Feb 7, 2016 | 06:22 PM
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Ron U.S.M.C.'s Avatar
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Car: 1989 Iroc-Z Camaro
Engine: TBI,5.0
Transmission: Automatic 700R4
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Re: Trouble after replacing thermostat

A 180* thermostat with a fan that comes on in that range should bring the car temperature also in that range.


You might have to burp the car by elevating the front end a little putting the radiator cap fill hole higher.


I also pump/squeeze the top radiator hose several times when trying to remove any air bubbles.


A inferred laser temperature gun is very handy and will give you the true engine temperature when pointing it at the thermoset housing and/or at the area surrounding the temperature sender for the gage.


link for the gun . Any of these will work = http://www.harborfreight.com/catalog...ult?q=temp+gun
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Old Feb 7, 2016 | 06:39 PM
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From: az
Car: 92 camaro rs anniversary edition
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Re: Trouble after replacing thermostat

Thanks Ron,
Think I underestimated how much coolant/water sprayed out, lol, I think the radiator had no water in it and was really thirsty! Put some water in it, going to burp it again (thanks for the heads up about squeezing the hose) and will try this again...
Thanks for replying, it being superbowl and everything lol
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Old Feb 7, 2016 | 07:01 PM
  #4  
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Car: 92 camaro rs anniversary edition
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Re: Trouble after replacing thermostat

Originally Posted by scarr001
Thanks Ron,
Think I underestimated how much coolant/water sprayed out, lol, I think the radiator had no water in it and was really thirsty! Put some water in it, going to burp it again (thanks for the heads up about squeezing the hose) and will try this again...
Thanks for replying, it being superbowl and everything lol
Well... After filling up the radiator, starting with the cap off (temp was good) was running about 5 mins, came out to water spraying out, turned off car...water and steam stopped, put cap on...cuz I am pretty mad that I can't bleed my stupid radiator! I have no means to raise the front end unless I jack it up
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Old Feb 7, 2016 | 09:05 PM
  #5  
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From: az
Car: 92 camaro rs anniversary edition
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Re: Trouble after replacing thermostat

Originally Posted by scarr001
Well... After filling up the radiator, starting with the cap off (temp was good) was running about 5 mins, came out to water spraying out, turned off car...water and steam stopped, put cap on...cuz I am pretty mad that I can't bleed my stupid radiator! I have no means to raise the front end unless I jack it up
Started normal temp, drove 1 mile, overheated but when I put the heater on...it didn't blow hot air? So confused now...am thinking of running it with the cap off and trying to bleed again, I'm, I can't think of anything more
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Old Feb 7, 2016 | 11:32 PM
  #6  
Ron U.S.M.C.'s Avatar
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Car: 1989 Iroc-Z Camaro
Engine: TBI,5.0
Transmission: Automatic 700R4
Axle/Gears: Eaton Posi,3.42,LPW Ultimate Cover
Re: Trouble after replacing thermostat

You mention that this problem started when you replaced the thermostat.

I would check it to see if its stuck closed or (Please don't take offence )upside down.


After you get it out, just replace it with another or put the old one back in and see how it does.
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Old Feb 8, 2016 | 08:01 AM
  #7  
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Car: 1987 SC/1985 TA
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Re: Trouble after replacing thermostat

a small hole drilled into the side of the t-stat will allow any air trapped beneath to escape.
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Old Feb 10, 2016 | 04:36 PM
  #8  
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Re: Trouble after replacing thermostat

Were you having problems before you replaced thermostat?
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Old Feb 12, 2016 | 01:48 AM
  #9  
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Re: Trouble after replacing thermostat

Follow up please ......
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Old Feb 17, 2016 | 05:00 PM
  #10  
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Car: 87 Iroc 5.7,67 SS Camaro,90 Formula
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Transmission: 700r4 3000 stall 4spd 5 spd
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Re: Trouble after replacing thermostat

Naf you say drill a hole on the side of the t stat or on the bottom? Does this matter where you drill it?
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Old Feb 17, 2016 | 05:14 PM
  #11  
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Re: Trouble after replacing thermostat

ive heard of people drilling holes in the thermostat housing before, im just curious as to the benefits of this ?

obviously coolant will be able to get through with the thermostat closed but only a little amount so im guessing it would take slightly longer for it to warm up, but would it help cooling it down at all ?
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Old Feb 17, 2016 | 06:31 PM
  #12  
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Re: Trouble after replacing thermostat

Originally Posted by gta_knight
ive heard of people drilling holes in the thermostat housing before, im just curious as to the benefits of this ?

obviously coolant will be able to get through with the thermostat closed but only a little amount so im guessing it would take slightly longer for it to warm up, but would it help cooling it down at all ?

drilling a small hole (1/8") allows air in system to escape . doing this allows one to purge/burp system with much less effort . us (really) old guys have done this for years . good luck ...
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Old Feb 23, 2016 | 06:09 PM
  #13  
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Re: Trouble after replacing thermostat

anytime i changed a thermostat i put the heat on too to circulate the coolant thru those lines as well never had a car overheat after that
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