3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002) 1993-2002 Discussion including performance modifications and Technical Support Sections.
Sponsored by:

really how bad is an autozone thermostat???

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-09-06, 01:38 AM
  #1  
just dont care.

Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
 
jacobcartmill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 9,387
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
really how bad is an autozone thermostat??? i tested one

well, i did a stupid thing and bought an autozone thermostat to replace the unknown mileage one in the ole FD... so, just for ***** and giggles, i decided to test out the thermostat...

on the bottom of the thermostat, it says 180*F "great" i think, a nice cool thermostat! so i put it in boiling water with a cooking thermometer and what do i see? it doesnt fully open til 215*F!!! after doing the test a few more times, it looks like the thermostat starts to open at about 205-206 and finally is totally open between 215 and 217*F!!!

dont buy an autozone thermostat.

Last edited by jacobcartmill; 01-09-06 at 01:56 AM.
Old 01-09-06, 02:22 AM
  #2  
Full Member

iTrader: (2)
 
racerx7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: bay area
Posts: 197
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for the heads up. That is good to know.
Old 01-09-06, 02:29 AM
  #3  
Rotor Head Extreme

iTrader: (8)
 
t-von's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Midland Texas
Posts: 6,719
Likes: 0
Received 26 Likes on 17 Posts
Yep OEM is your best bet on this one.
Old 01-09-06, 03:19 AM
  #4  
Senior Member

 
riptor's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: lemoore ca
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
****......well ive had mine for 5000 miles and it stoped my problems i was having...to begin with..but it is the middleof winter..well ill get a new one when i get back off cruise w/my new rad...thanx for the heads up tho..
Old 01-09-06, 05:56 AM
  #5  
multipersonality disorder

 
GUITARJUNKIE28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: so. cal
Posts: 5,656
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
was it a stant?
Old 01-09-06, 06:20 AM
  #6  
just dont care.

Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
 
jacobcartmill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 9,387
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
duralast i believe is the brand
Old 01-09-06, 06:22 AM
  #7  
Do a barrel roll!

iTrader: (4)
 
Rxmfn7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Lower Burrell, PA
Posts: 7,529
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Years ago, I did the same for my FC. I had pretty much the same experience with the stant. The stant that I got also did not have the Jigglin pin, not sure if it was the same on for the FD or not, but I now stick to OEM for most replacement parts such as this.
Old 01-09-06, 06:31 AM
  #8  
just dont care.

Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
 
jacobcartmill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 9,387
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
yes this thermostat does not have the jiggle flow-through pin
Old 01-09-06, 07:17 AM
  #9  
Senior Member

 
riptor's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: lemoore ca
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
what is said jiggle pin for..?
Old 01-09-06, 07:27 AM
  #10  
just dont care.

Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
 
jacobcartmill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 9,387
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
i believe its there to let a small amount of coolant flow through the thermostat while it is closed.
Old 01-09-06, 07:34 AM
  #11  
Derwin

iTrader: (2)
 
dradon03's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: MTL, QC
Posts: 2,888
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
So many thermostat options available why go with a cheap one you got FC, Miata, Sard etc etc.
Old 01-09-06, 07:50 AM
  #12  
Do a barrel roll!

iTrader: (4)
 
Rxmfn7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Lower Burrell, PA
Posts: 7,529
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Originally Posted by jacobcartmill
i believe its there to let a small amount of coolant flow through the thermostat while it is closed.
I believe it also allows any trapped air on the engine side of the thermostat to be evacuated. This is just a guess though , as the pin location is to be as far to the top as you can get it.
Old 01-09-06, 09:53 AM
  #13  
RX-7 Bad Ass

iTrader: (55)
 
DaleClark's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Pensacola, FL
Posts: 15,399
Received 2,438 Likes on 1,509 Posts
I would only use a parts store thermostat as a VERY temporary fix. Not only do they run hotter, but I've seen them fail on FC's in a month or two. Worst thing when it fails is you discount the thermostat since you "just changed it" .

OEM all the way.

Dale
Old 03-29-06, 09:26 PM
  #14  
Senior Member

 
DGblk93's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: In your wheelhouse
Posts: 502
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Question Thermostat removal / replacement

So I'm digging this up why?
I just got a new OEM thermostat from Ray Crowe - sent it next day and gave a great price.

I have never done this but the shop manual seems to describe the removal as just pulling it out of its place. I just don't want to mess anything up so - is it that simple? Just pry out the old one and pop in the new thermostat with a new gasket?
Thanks
Dave
Old 03-29-06, 09:35 PM
  #15  
Rotary Enthusiast

 
impactwrench's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Bonita Springs Fl
Posts: 1,224
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Yes
Old 03-29-06, 09:46 PM
  #16  
airplane apex seals

 
seanfd3s's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: either sunnyvale or san jose
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
just dont run one
Old 03-29-06, 10:07 PM
  #17  
Warming the planet.

 
Gadd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Chico, CA
Posts: 845
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
The problem I have seen with the "autozone, Kragen, Pepboys, plugin your local autoparts store" is the that they do not have the plunger on the back of the thermostat to plug the bypass in the thermostat housing when it is open. The OEM stat. starts to open at 180 and is not fully open till 200.
Old 03-29-06, 10:56 PM
  #18  
multipersonality disorder

 
GUITARJUNKIE28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: so. cal
Posts: 5,656
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by DaleClark
Not only do they run hotter, but I've seen them fail on FC's in a month or two. .

OEM all the way.

Dale

i've seen them last for years too. and them running "hotter" is a load. each thermostat has a heat range. make sure you get the correct one for your application.
Old 03-30-06, 01:42 AM
  #19  
Junior Member

iTrader: (1)
 
luey02's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Do not install any thermostat without the tiny pin/hole. The coolant will not circulate since your trapping all the air right behind it in the block and the thermostat will not open that way. Also pick up an o-ring with the new thermostat, since the old one will crack when you pry it out.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
lnlreaper
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
2
09-27-15 09:59 AM
rxlevi7
New Member RX-7 Technical
4
09-26-15 07:28 AM
MidnightOwl
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
1
09-25-15 10:24 PM
erevos
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
4
09-15-15 09:19 AM



Quick Reply: really how bad is an autozone thermostat???



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:21 PM.