Hello,

Sometimes my gauge reports a steady-state temp. of around 160, sometimes it reports a steady-state temp of around 220. Before, it used to always settle on a steady-state temp of 160, but the car is getting old and so forth. I've had the radiator replaced recently. My uncle suggested that the thermostat is sticking, and I should replace it. Just thought I'd check with the tech heads here before going ahead with that. Also, if I need to replace it, are there any good articles or should the Chilton's suffice?

Thanks,
Tristan
1987 IROC-Z/28

:lala:

 

I can't argue with your uncle. A sticking thermostat is possible, especially if it is 15 years old. Replacement is fairly straightforward, adn the instructions in a Chilton's manual should be adequate.

I'm presuming you completely flushed the system when the radiator was replaced, right?

 

Yes, the system was flushed when the new radiator was installed. Since it seems to be agreeable, I'll go ahead and replace the thermostat. We'll see if that does the trick.

Thanks,
Tristan
1987 IROC-Z/28

 

you may also want to check resistance at the coolant temp sender to verify that your gage is accurate, it's in the driver's side head between the middle two cylinders. check the resistance with the car totally cold and then when fully warm. put one lead of the volt/ohm meter on the sensor connector and ground the other one on the car body. these are the resistor values you should get at varying temps: