after my engine swap i've been having some problems with the t-stat opening.

Whats the correct way to install it? Spring up? or Spring down?

Its on a 96 vortec block, with the stock 88 pump on the serpentine belt system.

I just cant remember, and everyones telling me different things

thanks, jon

 

Definatley spring DOWN. Thermo first, then gasket, then water neck. Good luck!

 

alright, thats what i thought

must be something else wrong in the cooling system....is this ever getting annoying


if i take the t-stat out, it cools fine, put it in and it doesnt want to open up for me, it will eventually, but the temp gets up there then it finally kinda opens up abit. It seems like theres some kind of pressure problem. If i recall correctly, i have run it without the cap on and had no problems.

I'm gonna start with the hoses, anyone have any ideas?

 

How high is way up there, and are you dealing with a stock computer? Obviously not. Sorry. Are you using the fan shroud, and air dam under the radiator?

 

its a 160 stat and doesnt open till around 240, once it opens once, temp will drop down, then in a few minutes it will rise again, but beyond 240, and repeat, getting hotter and hotter each time before it opens. Im positive the t-stat is good as its probably the 3rd one i've tried.

Rad cap is new also. Fan runs continously and air dam is in place.

It something to do with the thermostat, or incorrect pressures or something, as i can feel the fluid kind of "chugging" through the top hose as it attempts to open