Thermostat Replacement

THERMOSTAT REPLACEMENT: JIGGLE PIN AND BLEEDER VALVE
A thermostat replacement causes air to enter the system, and getting rid of any remaining air pockets afterwards is extremely important. Read on to discover the consequences of insufficient bleeding, the function of the thermostat jiggle pin and its correct position.

THE FUNCTION OF THE THERMOSTAT
A running engine should, at all times, be kept at the temperature that allows it to work most efficiently. In order to reach or maintain this specific operating temperature, and in order to avoid the temperature fluctuations that are very harmful to the engine, the system needs to be cooled. Therefore, the thermostat works continuously while the car is being driven, regulating the flow of coolant towards the radiator. It is very important to use the appropriate cooling fluid (antifreeze).

When it is time to replace the thermostat, you need to open the cooling system of the engine. This causes, on the one hand, some of the engine coolant to escape and, on the other, some air to enter the system. To get rid of these air pockets, the cooling system should be completely and carefully bled after the thermostat replacement.

For modern engines with three different cooling systems, this requires special diagnostic test tools that may not be present in every mechanic’s shop, but that are nevertheless indispensable.

If any air pockets remain, they are bound to interfere with the temperature sensor, so the wrong information ends up being sent to the dashboard, which can eventually result in engine overheating.

Note: Before driving you will need to carefully watch your radiator fluid level and temperature gauge to insure you replace the required amount of fluid to insure the radiator is full with the engine at operating temperature.

This fluid will become scolding hot as the engine warms up. Once you close the system, by replacing the radiator cap, pressure will build in the system. Always allow the engine and radiator to be cold to touch before removing the radiator cap. Cooling allows the pressure to return to zero insuring it is safe to remove the radiator cap.

As the fluid circulates it will push bubbles out of the system and antifreeze could spray into your face, so stand back away and never look directly into the service port during filling, remember antifreeze is toxic(read the precautions and warnings on the container before servicing).

Final note, antifreeze is always installed as a mixture (diluted , preferably with distilled water), never 100%. Check for owner’s manual for information.

As usual both caution and safe rules should always apply.

 

Thank you for the information

 

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