First off, I have searched, but nothing seems to quite cover my question. I need to replace my t-stat( been running without one) and I need to know which would be best. The thermostat I pulled out had a bleeder valve at the top of it and the one I bought(from advance) did not. So I did not install it, thinking that trapped air would probably be a bad thing. I know I should use a mazda replacement, but not only is it $25 bucks, I have to drive 50 miles to the cloesest dealership, order it, wait three days, and drive back down there. My question is does the t-stat need the bleeder valve? Can I just take the replacement one I have and drill a small hole in the top portion of it and make a bleeder valve? I would like to know because it is getting warmer around here and I do NOT want to drive without one in the summer. Ant help would be greatly appreciated.

 

There really is no replacement for the factory thermostat considering whats at stake.Its not a good idea to ever run a rotary without anything in the housing.When racers/ect do choose to run without a functioning thermostat,they tap/plug the bypass hole in the waterpump housing,under the thermostat.Then gut the stat itself,then install just the top plate.This serves to simulate a full open stat all the time,and the restriction of the gutted plate will slow down the coolant flow enough for the radiator to draw heat from the coolant before it exits back into the engine.

But,if you must use a Stant or other aftermarket thermostat....be sure it has the dime sized plate on the bottom.Thats to cover the bypass back into the waterpump inlet.If the replacement doesnt have that little "plunger" on the bottom,youll lose a lot of your cooling ability when the main port of the thermostat opens.

The little "jiggle pin" air bleeder is a good feature,but not all thermostats have them.You could always just drill a very small hole in the upper plate of the thermostat to allow air to bleed.If you make it small(pin head sized) it wont hurt anything.

 

Order one online from Mazdatrix, RB or Atkins and save yourself the trips. I ran a non-oem stat in the bp when I first had it on the road, drilled a little jiggle pin hole too. Drove to Denver and back for Christmas, 1300+ miles and the engine rarely got over 160* on the Autometer temp gauge. Installed an oem one when I got back, temp stays a steady 180 and runs better.

 

Always, always, always use a Mazda OEM thermostat.

 

I think OEM t'stats are $12 from mazdatrix, and well worth it.

 

Thanks alot, that what I needed to know. Also, are the t-stats from RB, Mazdatrix and Atkins OEM replacements? Thanks again.

 

I ordered this and the gasket from Mazdatrix.