i have a problem with my thermostat but not for sure! the only thing that is bothering me is that i dont think the thermostat is opening up to let the coolant out because ive checked up on the coolant tube that leads back to the radiator, and it stays cold all the time! do i have to get a stock thermostat or a aftermarket one like the brand stant. it seems pretty generic and doesnt look the same as the original!

 

just get one from your local auto parts carrier along with the rubber gasket... question... does your heater work at all? does it blow lukewarm air? does your temp gauge barely move when you know it should be about half way? if so, chances are your thermostat is missing.

 

- If you start the car and let it idle for 20 minutes, will it overheat? Does the temperature start to go up out of normal range?
- Is your car taking an abnormally long amount of time to get to standard operating temperature?

If not to both of the above, your thermostat is opening and closing just fine. That whole "feel the hose" thing is a bit "iffy" IMO - if you can drive it (and it's not overheating) then it's opening up, but if it's taking 20 minutes to warm up, it may not be closing.

Though you're still only talking about a 15 dollar part...just get an OEM one, you can get an OEM type one at any parts store, it's not necessary to buy from Honda on that...

 

well in my civic it looked too be running at perfect temp, just below mid level. When we turbo'd it, we checked it just in case, and it wasnt opening and closing at all. take it out and hold a lighter to it.

 

Easy way to test it. Take it out,boil water,drop Tstat in a clear container w/ boiled water. It should open above 190 degrees. If it doesnt,its no good. If you do replace it,id go factory. Ive seen many instances of "new" Autozone,Pepboys,Kragen type Tstat's FTL

 

Just spend the $13.00