In a message dated 6/4/99 1:35:27 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
kherres@mail.wsu.edu writes:
<< Is there a way I can tell if the thermistat is
working without takeing it out? also how do I know if the water pump is
working properly? >>
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If the thermostat is stuck closed, the temp will go all the way to the top
and the pistons will melt (hopefully not).
Let the car cool down completely. Take the radiator cap off and start it.
With the thermostat closed the water in the radiator will just sit there.
When the thermostat opens, the water pump will move water thru the system and
you will see it roil up in there. That is, if the water pump is working and
the thermostat is opening.
This is just a simple way to determine if these things are working TO SOME
DEGREE. To test the thermostat for opening at the proper temp, you have to
remove it and test it in water in a pot on the stove with a thermometer to
see when it opens. If you've gone that far, you might as well just replace
it and save the time.
You can also use the test above to check if your radiator has any blockage.
After the water starts to move in the radiator (when the 'stat opens), shut
off the car after a few minutes and feel the surface of the radiator. If it
is generally warm all over, the radiator is fine. If it is half warm and
half cold, you have a blockage and need to have the the radiator rodded out.
If you have electric fans, be careful, and unplug them first.
Hope this helps.
Allen Hefner
'77 Midget
'92 Mitsubishi Expo LRV Sport
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