Watch How A Thermostat Works In Your Car

[@youtubebot2607]

Never even tried to figure out how these work, thanks for explaining

[@motorcarnut]

No problem! Thanks for the comment

[@Sergeant_Stiffy]

I think it’s nickel titanium (memory metal)

[@4G12]

So simple, reliable and relatively cheap. Brilliant engineering.

[@motorcarnut]

Yes, it is.

[@indridcold8433]

It will soon be replaced with a problematic, computer controlled, $550 part that will be failing every three months. Do you remember the accelerator cables? They are a $12 part that rarely, if ever failed. Now, they are a $500 computer controlled pedal that has lag, is problematic, and fails far more than any accelerator cable ever did. I wonder what ever happened to, "If it is not broken, do not fix it?"

[@motorcarnut]

@indridcold8433 yep, like push button start when a key will do.

[@indridcold8433]

@@motorcarnut it is also like auto engine shut off and restart when an engine lasts way longer if allowed to idle and not go to zero oil pressure on a hot engine with no coolant circulation every few miles.

[@bigdfitness5020]

​@@indridcold8433Lol get with the times bro.

[@anakin_piewalker1458]

Thank you KZbin needs more videos like this not stupid useless entertainment

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you very much! Really appreciated

[@Anubis074]

Used to work at a thermostat factory. I ran an assembly machine that put the element in the middle there together. I made about 7500- 8500 of those things day for a few years. If I remember correctly there is a copper and wax pellet inside the brass casing the pressure of the wax melting from the heat makes it open and the springs close it. The ones like that one we made went into Toyota cars. We also made the integrated thermostats that had the injection molded casing.

[@motorcarnut]

Those are the fail safe ones you’re talking about. When they fail the thermostat will go full open so engine won’t overheat.

[@jetboy770371]

Are thermostats reliable and long lasting ?

[@motorcarnut]

@jetboy770371 absolutely

[@lzkams]

I also worked on those. Aside from the casing and mix of copper and wax, it also has a rubber sleeve that holds a metal pin.

[@Danny-br3tu]

Awesome. I remember when my dad show me this with boiling water when my kia kept overheating.

[@TheRicardo7500]

Thank you. It’s a great explanation of how thermostat works. It’s always good to test them out before replacing with new one. Mine turned out to be good, just needed to do a flush and add coolant, no more issues.

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you! Awesome! That is smart and you saved money!

[@jasonmariani1258]

I love KZbin in this regard. I get automotive knowledge from really decent folks and that’s priceless

[@motorcarnut]

Glad I can help!

[@omarmaharaj]

If you didn't know, there's a special position to install. The thermostat. The open port on the thermostat is supposed to be aligned with open port on the manifold so that whenever the thermostat open there's no restriction on water flow.

[@motorcarnut]

Of course I know but others may not. Thanks for the extra information!

[@towcars5550]

What u mean how the position supposed to be

[@dylanlamarre3768]

Amazing how this can cycle tens of thousands of times over the course of the vehicle without fail. So simple, no "intelligence" smart components

[@motorcarnut]

Very true! Because when things are kept simple they last the longest

[@jonathanvillegas2296]

Sounds like you’ve never had an Audi 🤣. $2000 job unfortunately 🥲

[@MrT-nh6di]

Awesome too see how these components operate, if this little component stops operating correctly you will definitely have a issue with your vehicle, a warning sign is when the heat is not working in the winter when turned on, it's another sign your water pump is done as well. Change both at the same time and your serpentine belt as well.

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you! Yes, the thermostat is part of the cooling system and is essential for proper operation, and when you change the thermostat, it's also a good time to change the water pump.

[@agostinhojosealexandre5594]

Hi, my e46 BMW 330ci engine overheats whenever the car engine is running on idle in traffic for more than 30 minutes. Could you help with a hint?? Thanks

[@motorcarnut]

Try simple things first, like make sure coolant level is good, radiator cap is bad or thermostat.

[@mrb40000]

If you put weeker springs on a thermostat would open up with less heat or faster? How would I design one to open with less heat? I'm doing an experiment thst is not automotive related?

[@motorcarnut]

Just fine one with the lowest temperature rating. They all have temperature numbers that they open at like 180f or 175f etc.

[@smOOdiebOOdie]

I put a new thermostat on my car after a head gasket replacement just to be on the safe side, 20 year old car. Now (winter in Sweden) I have opposite problem - car having a hard time even reaching operating temp.. 10-20C below.. should open at 92C. When I’m standing still it climbs but when I start to drive or turn on the warm air the temp go down. The air is warm but I remember it being hotter than that. Could it be my new shiny thermostat (magnetti marelli) is faulty ? Thank you in advance whoever may answer.

[@motorcarnut]

Yes, over cooling is directly related to the thermostat assuming everything is stock and not aftermarket such as a bigger radiator etc.

[@smOOdiebOOdie]

@ thank you for your reply, yes it is stock. A little 1.2 liter petrol car with 80hp.

[@motorcarnut]

No problem.

[@damidolarsdamidolars2970]

Wow!!! I like this well done bro for the explanation 👏 👍

[@motorcarnut]

Np problem, Thanks for the comment!

[@rronmar]

That type thermostat with the disc down there all by itself is called a bypass type. As it opens at the top to let water flow to the radiator, that disc also extends to block the bypass/recirculation port to force the warm fluid towards the radiator… i have seen people remove the thermostat trying to get an overheating engine to run cooler, and it will not on a bypass type cooling system as the fluid just continues to take the path back thru the bypass port and overheat, unless it is blocked…

[@motorcarnut]

Great extra info, thanks for sharing!

[@mikeyp1977]

So we have thermostat that opens at 107 and you put it in boiling water which boils at 100. I’d say that thermostat is faulty. Or more likely it was heated in the jump cut out of the water. Would it if been that hard to get a thermostat that opens around 90?

[@motorcarnut]

Don't get too fixated on accurate specs, it was just a simple demonstration on how a thermostat works.

[@davidjames3259]

my vw polo 9N3, inside the city the temps rises down slowly till they get to 90, but in highway it goes below 90, could it be the thermostat ?

[@motorcarnut]

Yes, that is a symptom of a failing thermostat . Just make sure coolant is clean and it the proper level. And replace the radiator cap if its old.

[@davidjames3259]

@@motorcarnut speaking of the coolant, I think there is somesort of leak, because it goes down by a 0.1 once every 2 months or so, could it be also the thermostat ?

[@motorcarnut]

Yes it can.

[@TheBlkac1]

Where diid you find a 170 degree thermostat? I need one for my 1987 C4 Corvette

[@motorcarnut]

You have to look up you make and model if they make one

[@frederickljohnson1254]

I thank you for this because today. I had to change my Thermostat in my 07 Ford Explorer. This was very helpful and appreciated. ❤Excellent job

[@motorcarnut]

Awesome! No problem! Thanks for the comment

[@PaulMartin-ns3nj]

Does my 2015 nissan 4 cyl. Engine have a food design like Toyota?

[@PaulMartin-ns3nj]

I ment good design

[@motorcarnut]

Yes

[@westsidehvac1097]

What makes it open and close?

[@motorcarnut]

When heat is applied to metal it normally expands and when cooled it contracts. Here, same principle.

[@stephanhan.8390]

I'm my area, mechanical folks used to remove this saying it could down the engine way faster. However those days are 90's

[@motorcarnut]

That was just a bandaid to cover up a problem. All vehicles need thermostats, they are there for a reason.

[@AAPLGUY]

This is what I was looking for! Everyone else’s vids were super over-complicated. Always wondered what these looked like functioning!

[@motorcarnut]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@enyaivara2015]

Please I have a concern I need help with. I have Toyota Sienna XLE 2000 model that has been well for me for a long time. However I discovered that the radiator fans aren't spinning. Instead my engine heats up after driving for a while with white smoke coming out of the engine bay. When I pop open the hood, I see coolant splashed everywhere. I can't detect where the coolant is splashing out from, because I can't seem to find any leaking hosts or caps. What could be the problem?

[@motorcarnut]

Maybe a coolant fan switch or coolant fan itself is not working. Be careful hopefully you didn't blow the head gasket by overheating the engine.

[@joshuabrooke9762]

Cool video! Very helpful

[@motorcarnut]

Appreciate it! I'm trying to make things a little easier for everyone.

[@albertvonschultz9137]

I am used to thermostats like that. But the one my vehicle has is a fail-safe, they call it And it acts totally different than the old system

[@motorcarnut]

Yes when they fail they usually get stuck open not to overheat the engine.

[@adebayoagbaje]

Awesome video! insightful 👌

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you! Appreciated!

[@seaneichen6259]

Thank you for this!

[@motorcarnut]

You're welcome!

[@michaeltloane2186]

What happens when you put only the head and you remove the part that opens and closes

[@motorcarnut]

Vehicle will run cool, heat won’t work till engine is fully warm will throw off coolant sensors check engine light will come on all bad things

[@mayuraghogare]

I checked, in cold state there is small gap in thermostat volve , Is that fine or need to change it ?

[@motorcarnut]

Replace it

[@mayuraghogare]

@@motorcarnut thanks

[@Ali-v6g9b]

What's the inside material?

[@motorcarnut]

Usually, wax, metal and rubber

[@Z11yad]

Thank you brother. Can I ask when should I change it? I bought my car in 2020 and it has 46 thousand miles on it

[@motorcarnut]

Next coolant change would be ideal or 2 years

[@Z11yad]

@@motorcarnut Thanks man May Allah bless you and your family

[@motorcarnut]

@Z11yad and you as well! Take care!

[@markargentine6259]

Good demo. Thanks

[@motorcarnut]

Glad you liked it!

[@EndureCzar]

Short sweet simple honest, thank you sir

[@motorcarnut]

Np problem, Appreciated!

[@shawqijumaa119]

Why should keep thermostat close some time?

[@motorcarnut]

When car is cold thermostat is closed to radiator so engine can warm up faster

[@shawqijumaa119]

@@motorcarnut you are right . Thanks.

[@motorcarnut]

@shawqijumaa119 no problem

[@ahmetnazenin7490]

I just put thermostat in my holden hr didnt have one I was wandering why I was loosing water thru my radiator next day it was only half coolant in radiator. Now radiator full

[@lwandilebaliti2595]

My car right now the gauge is not working. Since morning. And the engine was very cool earlier, but now it's gotten hot.

[@motorcarnut]

When it's very cold outside the gauge will take more time to register properly, however you may have a faulty coolant temperature sensor or a wiring issue too.

[@sunbird394]

Thank you so much, the information was very helpful.

[@motorcarnut]

Glad it was helpful! And appreciate the feedback

[@toxiczombie4468]

That definitely explained my answer, my car just got a new thermostat because my car was overheating, still overheats because the coolant is probably clogged Tested out the old thermostat, didn’t open at all on a 153F water

[@motorcarnut]

Great diagnosis!

[@MrUnique27]

Great visual, great audio, great educational video and experience.👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💯✊🏾

[@motorcarnut]

Much appreciated!

[@santigocortez4647]

simple and cleaver that how all car parts should be not like now 5 year warranty is over and car falls apart.

[@motorcarnut]

I hear ya!

[@robertfindley921]

Such a simple test. Logical.

[@motorcarnut]

Glad it made sense!

[@moto__shark]

Question, there's coolant in the radiator already, so when the therms open up it lets more coolant in?

[@motorcarnut]

Correct and then it circulates through the radiator to get cooled before going back into the engine.

[@moto__shark]

@@motorcarnut Thank you for the explanation! I appreciate it.

[@motorcarnut]

@moto__shark sure no problem!

[@blackasainpat6416]

You need a thermometer to know exactly what temp its really opening at some don't open on time.

[@motorcarnut]

Of course!

[@danking6700]

How did day create this nolege

[@motorcarnut]

By reading and studying and going to school

[@dh5594]

Sounds like you said 107 degrees.. you must mean 170 because if it was 107 it would pretty much stay open all the time accept for a minute or two after cranking the engine

[@motorcarnut]

Yes 170.

[@dh5594]

@@motorcarnut 👍 ok

[@LearnItalianCVC]

Thank you so much.

[@motorcarnut]

Always welcome, thanks for the comment!

[@dariusstack]

Thanks man great video n good break dwn on how the coolant thermostat works 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽

[@motorcarnut]

No problem, glad it helped! Thank you!!!

[@dariusstack]

@ u help me save time in 💰 n I’m glad that u wasn’t rushing on doing repairs in your video like other utube videos do 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you for this, really appreciate it the feedback! No, I try to make the videos as good as I can on each topic and never rush.

[@mike75479]

Why it doesn’t have the pin that releases the pressure

[@motorcarnut]

Not all have them

[@johnnymclaneutah]

but what makes it open in hot water tho.... why does it react to hot water like that?

[@motorcarnut]

Look up Thermal Expansion

[@JASPERSADVENTURES4523]

2005 jetta 1.8 turbo. New radiator. New water pump. New thermostat. New coolant. Top radiator hose hot.. bottom hose cold.. Fans work..

[@motorcarnut]

Could be hair in the system?, worst case is a head gasket problem.

[@JASPERSADVENTURES4523]

​@@motorcarnutit's not smoking at all

[@JASPERSADVENTURES4523]

​@@motorcarnutmaybe the temp control sensor?

[@motorcarnut]

I meant to say air in the coolant system. It doesn't have to smoke to be a bad head gasket it could be pumping up the coolant system again putting air in the system causing poor circulation.

[@JASPERSADVENTURES4523]

​@@motorcarnut I pulled the thermostat out yesterday drilled 2 small holes in the thermostat flange to let air circulate out of the system.. The bottom hose is getting hot now. I'm going to pick up a temperature control sensor today and try that. But then again the engine light is not on. When that sensor is bad the engine light will come on. It's showing no codes.

[@tommyfoster4601]

killed that one. It's a great example! Awsome video.

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you! Appreciated!

[@davematthews4228]

I bought a couple of thermostats that were bad, so now I'll try this check to make sure before I install it

[@motorcarnut]

Fool proof way. Nowadays they make things cheaper and cheaper

[@samvega827]

Man thanks for this video this is similar to the one I have and this helped me a lot!

[@motorcarnut]

Sure no problem, appreciate the feedback!

[@michaelmartinez9602]

So the part with the oring dosent move at all correct ?

[@motorcarnut]

That’s correct

[@edwardherrera846]

What country are you from?

[@motorcarnut]

USA

[@JohnnyEmpuerto]

Thanks friend

[@motorcarnut]

Any time!

[@Justin-392]

Tested mine like that and it never opened even with the water being 200

[@motorcarnut]

No good!

[@jameslaiola4976]

Wow. Ok. Good. I was always curious about this because i wondered if the gasket could inhibit it from opening

[@motorcarnut]

No problem, thanks for the comment.

[@anthonybowen4189]

Great video explaining how this mystery item works... Change one because the truck was overheating

[@motorcarnut]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@ImTheBoss914]

such a good video, thanks

[@motorcarnut]

Glad you liked it!

[@slagjumper]

If your 8th gen Honda is getting the gas mileage of an international harvester school bus, it's simply could be your thermostat.

[@motorcarnut]

That's the short answer, yes. But not just Hondas, most computerized vehicles. Computer has to know engine temperature among other thing to give engine prior fuel mixture, if anything is off fuel economy and performance will suffer.

[@Entrepreneurusa]

I been driving 3 days without a thermostat now lol 😂 drive fine

[@motorcarnut]

Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

[@Entrepreneurusa]

@@motorcarnut True , we just testing to see if that was the issue or not now I will put a new one in .

[@Tayerful]

It also lets coolant into the engine

[@motorcarnut]

Correct!

[@farrider3339]

Oh wow ! Now I finally saw it operating. It knows two ways of being dead. Either stay open or stay closed. The latter will cause engine overheating.

[@motorcarnut]

Correct

[@arnoldramos39]

Great video thanks

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you!

[@robsvtgt500]

But what makes it open and close is the question?

[@motorcarnut]

The temperature of the coolant. It's basically a metal spring that when heated expands and when cooled it contracts.

[@tjayj21]

Thanks man

[@motorcarnut]

No problem

[@sappk4908]

So cool

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you!

[@foberdud7576]

Great vid

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you! Appreciated

[@deathdrummer1019]

As someone who lives in a warm climate.. my vehicle runs a lot better without it

[@motorcarnut]

Modern day vehicles need a thermostat to control temperature for all the sensors ever most older vehicles as well.

[@xiomaralabrador7255]

Am in a hot climate why do I want it to close??

[@motorcarnut]

Most engines operate at 195F to 220F degrees, I doubt your climate gets that hot, Lol

[@alpeshaniltawade06]

There is inside wax if 90 ° heat it opens the thermostat

[@motorcarnut]

I think you’re talking about fail safe thermostats

[@ChrisGR93_TxS]

170f and boiling temperature is a bit off

[@motorcarnut]

Yes, but most people get the point of the video.

[@SPQRCJ97]

vehicles now: sensors everywhere

[@motorcarnut]

Ha, yes they do!

[@cooldude2245]

Maybe you can do how a coolant temperature sensor works

[@motorcarnut]

Will do, thanks for the tip!

[@motorcarnut]

I did

[@acrocheezefpv]

i believe you gotta check the ohms with a multimeter

[@lucahuzen9238]

NOW WATCH IT CLOSE! WATCH!

[@motorcarnut]

Yes!

[@Selvaraj-js2ee]

Wow ❤

[@timsouttahere]

Man i did this as a kid 😂😂😂😂

[@motorcarnut]

Brings back memories?

[@nyeyce]

Thank u

[@motorcarnut]

No problem!

[@motorcarnut]

No problem, appreciated!

[@WildBill_138]

Its a slow and faulty system. I remove mine. But ideally i would have a switched or mechanical valve to push when at desired temp on dash.

[@motorcarnut]

It's a basic time tested design.

[@devongeorge4073]

Main cause of a blown head gasket

[@motorcarnut]

One cause

[@SyNergy81]

How cute

[@motorcarnut]

Well thank you!

[@themeparkremixes]

my dad said when he use to be into car if his broke he would take it out during summer

[@motorcarnut]

If you take it out might as well replace it correct? It’s there for a reason, even back in the day.

[@themeparkremixes]

@@motorcarnut my dad was some one who went to the scrapyard if he found something he liked he would unscrew it or cut it but he was very if it works it is perfect

[@motorcarnut]

@jeffbricks Sounds like a very handy father!

[@themeparkremixes]

@@motorcarnut wouldnt have a clue now with the eletrics

[@user-rn4tt9gw2p]

That accent😂

[@akosgeleta7461]

cool

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you!

[@salishabrizan9006]

Can a car work without this

[@motorcarnut]

Not properly, no.

[@vladimirvegaiii5470]

It's cool to see what it does. However, HOW? ;)

[@motorcarnut]

Expansion and contraction

[@vladimirvegaiii5470]

@@motorcarnut I do understand heat expands things. So heat expands something that pushes the spring and opens up coolant through way. I want to see that animation. :) I'll find one.

[@derekkras]

butyful its what i need

[@motorcarnut]

Great! Thank you

[@aaronvilla13]

He cuts it off so we don’t see it open

[@motorcarnut]

Look closely

[@Captndarty]

I mean watching how something operates is different than how it works. Absolutely no description on that aspect.

[@motorcarnut]

It’s the same. If you can’t understand from the video, I can’t help you.

[@Thedrifter1986]

I did thr same with my old valve

[@motorcarnut]

That’s how you know if it’s good or not.

[@tattooeyboi7861]

Nice demo !

[@motorcarnut]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@TravisMcKnight-lk7gg]

Duh that's. What a thermostat is it let's in Ratty- attior. It's open duh. Wait for it. It's closed. Done . It lets in 😃. It's open again. Ratty-attior. Yankee doodles !

[@motorcarnut]

May not be that easy to understand for a lot of people. I’m sure I can talk automotive technology way over your head but then how does that help, correct?

[@Caleb-lbj]

TAKE IT OUT you don't need it burning your oil

[@motorcarnut]

What? Of course you need it.

[@Caleb-lbj]

@Motorcarnut if you need your Heater yes if your enigne Turbo no way

[@motorcarnut]

@Caleb-lbj engineers design engines with thermostats for a reason.

[@cpzmelbs]

​@@Caleb-lbjyoure a genius. please dont ever come to melbourne, we dont need someone of your intellect getting around the streets

[@FranciscoMartinez-sh2mr]

You mean into the engine bro the engine needs cooling not the radiator

[@motorcarnut]

Hot coolant circulates through the engine then goes to radiator to cool down some then back into the engine.

[@tytlersbicycle]

Rad!

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you

[@Blorkion64]

We just hold a lighter to it and watch it open

[@motorcarnut]

You can do that just to see it work.

[@acrocheezefpv]

i tried boiling my stat and nothing happened...

[@motorcarnut]

Then it’s bad

[@aaron_livelifefit]

🔥

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you!

[@gravitycore1]

How tf did somebody come up with this?!?!

[@motorcarnut]

That was a long time ago