Thermostat Question
#1
Registered!!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Honolulu
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rep Power: 0 Thermostat Question
I replaced my thermostat, and I've started to notice that it takes longer for the car to reach its normal temperature (temp gauge needle at the 1/2 way point) than it used to with the old thermostat. It takes about 10 minutes or so of driving. Is this normal? Is there any negatives to having an engine that doesn't warm up as fast as it should?
2004 Honda Civic EX 5-speed MT
2004 Honda Civic EX 5-speed MT
#2
2001 Civic LX Sedan
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Florence, AL 35630
Age: 49
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rep Power: 196 Re: Thermostat Question
Did you buy a genuine Honda T-stat?
Did you test the temp that it opens suspended in a pot of water on the stove?
The negative for an engine that takes longer to warm up is reduced fuel economy.
Did you test the temp that it opens suspended in a pot of water on the stove?
The negative for an engine that takes longer to warm up is reduced fuel economy.
#3
PITA Admin
Administrator
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: TN
Age: 52
Posts: 14,779
Received 1,440 Likes
on
1,196 Posts
Rep Power: 338 Re: Thermostat Question
plus added wear, although not by much in hawaii - if you still have the box of the thermo, check the opening temps of it.
#5
7th Gen Civic DIY Enthusiast!
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Honolulu, HI USA
Posts: 784
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
Rep Power: 161 Re: Thermostat Question
No not normal for Hawaii during these months. When I leave work from Pearl Harbor in the afternoon, it takes about 3 minutes or less for my car to warm up. Since it's already 85F to 95F out, it should not take that long at all for the warm up. And by warmed up I mean the temp gauge is slightly below halfway, which I think most would consider a "normal" indication. If I have my scan tool hooked with live data streaming the coolant is usually around 188F.
As others have already asked, did you use an OEM thermostat?
As others have already asked, did you use an OEM thermostat?
#6
Registered!!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Honolulu
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rep Power: 0 Re: Thermostat Question
Thanks for the feedback. I got off the phone with the mechanic that did the work, and he DID NOT use an OEM thermostat. I'm pretty put off by the situation because there was nothing wrong with the original t-stat in the first place (I'm kicking myself over my decision to go ahead and change it since I was replacing the radiator and flushing the system). I know the radiator is not OEM as well. Could this affect anything? I'll monitor my fuel economy, but I know for sure that my car used to heat up WAY faster than this with the old t-stat. Should I go ahead and request that he replace the current t-state with an OEM piece? Is it easy to change? Can I just do it myself? (He'll probably charge me for having him redo it)
#7
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Re: Thermostat Question
I know the radiator is not OEM as well. Could this affect anything?
The thermostat regulates the minimum temperature, not the radiator.
Should I go ahead and request that he replace the current t-state with an OEM piece? Is it easy to change? Can I just do it myself?
I DIY darn near everything.
Keep in mind, your mechanic could have mis-installed the thermostat. Put it back together correctly, regardless of how it comes apart. Order the thermostat AND the rubber seal for it, they come together as a set from Honda.
Part #5 here http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/...SENSOR+%281%29
Go to the beginning and enter your VIN to narrow down the choices (maybe).
#8
Re: Thermostat Question
Thanks for the feedback. I got off the phone with the mechanic that did the work, and he DID NOT use an OEM thermostat. I'm pretty put off by the situation because there was nothing wrong with the original t-stat in the first place (I'm kicking myself over my decision to go ahead and change it since I was replacing the radiator and flushing the system). I know the radiator is not OEM as well. Could this affect anything? I'll monitor my fuel economy, but I know for sure that my car used to heat up WAY faster than this with the old t-stat. Should I go ahead and request that he replace the current t-state with an OEM piece? Is it easy to change? Can I just do it myself? (He'll probably charge me for having him redo it)
#9
2001 Civic LX Sedan
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Florence, AL 35630
Age: 49
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rep Power: 196
#10
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Thread
Thread Starter
Honda Civic Forum
Replies
Last Post
cizsak
Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum
9
07-21-2015 03:39 PM
NoobyKid
1st - 5th Generation Civic 1973 - 1995
4
07-13-2015 07:53 AM
Kyles24
Overheating or loss of coolant, heater blowing cold
0
07-12-2015 09:15 PM