My FC was running hot all summer. 1/2 to 3/4. I blamed summer. I had to drive 400 miles from So. Cal. to No. Cal. My car overheated on the way, spraying coolant. I immediately pulled over. I called tow and walked 3 miles to the last gas station. Turned out to be the thermostat. I pulled it and drove the rest of the way. <1/3 on the gauge, very hot day, A/C on full, and a test run consisting of: floor it, brake, floor it, brake, floor it, brake, floor it (so the tow guy could be sure). I ordered an OEM thermostat and since then it has never passed 1/4.

Antifreeze has anti-corossion additives, and it raises the boiling point. Distilled water only will rust your cooling system and engine. Mix distilled water with antifreeze 50:50 for best corossion and overheat protection. Tap water will cause sediment to build up.

 

i called the mazda dealer earlier and they want $80 for a oem thermostat how did you's get yours for $20

 

My thermo didnt open when the car heated up, so it just built up pressure and the hose split. Needs replacing i thinks

 

Mazda OEM thermostat from Mazda dealer last summer - $16.35. Maybe you heard 80.00 when he said 18?

 

Order it from mazdatrix.com or Malloy Mazda.

 

I just ordered one last week at $21.00 w/tax

 

wow then someone at the mazda dealer around here screwed up they told me $80 for a new one i want to know why they want that much here for one when you's said you's just bought oem ones for $20

 

Was the Mazda dealer quoting you for installing it as well?

Half an hour of labor along with parts (thermostat, gasket, coolant etc.) could easily put you in the $80 range.

I got my OEM one from Mazdatrix. However for the 89+ ones, they are recommending the Stant unit instead because of a problem they've been having with the rubber seals of the OEM version. Something about a chemical reaction with the coolant.

Anybody have any input on this?

 

I plan on changing mine as soon as I get my Koyo rad.

 

When I replaced my thermostat with an aftermarket 180 degree one I believe it has a little bypass weephole thingie or whatever. I put an 1/8" hole in the housing and i haven't had any trouble (although it does take a little longer to warm up in the winter)

 

I've noticed that my car's temp gauge no longer reaches the halfway mark. Winter is coming - Should I change my thermostat, and is it difficult?

 

I bet they were talking wiht the install fees or with the housing

just call them and tell them u ONLY want the thermostat and not installed etc..

otherwise I get great deals at my local mazda dealership and I can hook u up!

 

I think that if you aren't having a problem with your thermostat don't fix it. I think it was NAPA that did a study with new thermostats out of the box and about 40% didn't work properly. Either they open at the wrong temp, didn't open all the way etc...
Thermostats are cheap and often made in China. This means that replacing to just replace might not be a good idea.