Quick coolant flush question
#1
Launching!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Quick coolant flush question
Hey guys,
Is it absolutely necessary that I change the thermostat in the car when I do a coolant system flush? I will be staying with the same coolant, and I have no cooling issues or leaks. Just trying to save a few bucks if possible and was wondering if its one of those "if its not broken..."
Thanks!
Is it absolutely necessary that I change the thermostat in the car when I do a coolant system flush? I will be staying with the same coolant, and I have no cooling issues or leaks. Just trying to save a few bucks if possible and was wondering if its one of those "if its not broken..."
Thanks!
#3
12 Second Club
iTrader: (49)
Cheap...do it. What if it goes out right after you flush the coolant? You just wasted all that new expensive coolant.
T stats usually don't give any warning before they go bad...they just stick one day. Just because it's working fine today doesn't mean it will be working tomorrow.
T stats usually don't give any warning before they go bad...they just stick one day. Just because it's working fine today doesn't mean it will be working tomorrow.
#4
LS1Tech Administrator
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Schiller Park, IL Member: #317
Posts: 32,044
Likes: 0
Received 1,492 Likes
on
1,074 Posts
Didn't you post in another thread that your car only has 23k miles? If so, I wouldn't even consider replacing the t-stat unless you're having cooling system issues. They normally last a whole lot longer than that. I didn't replace my stock one until about 90k miles when it needed a water pump.
#5
Launching!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Didn't you post in another thread that your car only has 23k miles? If so, I wouldn't even consider replacing the t-stat unless you're having cooling system issues. They normally last a whole lot longer than that. I didn't replace my stock one until about 90k miles when it needed a water pump.
Thanks guys
#6
LS1Tech Administrator
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Schiller Park, IL Member: #317
Posts: 32,044
Likes: 0
Received 1,492 Likes
on
1,074 Posts
Not a requirement at all. I've changed coolant in all of my cars several times without changing the t-stat. Yours is so new that it would be a waste to toss it out.
Trending Topics
#9
LS1Tech Administrator
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Schiller Park, IL Member: #317
Posts: 32,044
Likes: 0
Received 1,492 Likes
on
1,074 Posts
In this regard I agree, no need for a 160° unless you've got a forced induction setup or super high compression with an aggressive tune. I'd rather have a 180-187° t-stat as well.
#11
LS1Tech Administrator
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Schiller Park, IL Member: #317
Posts: 32,044
Likes: 0
Received 1,492 Likes
on
1,074 Posts
I'll let you guys know if it ever fails. Consider mine the "control" sample, to see how long a stock t-stat can last in a seldom-use car with proper coolant maintenance.
#12
Staging Lane
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Edmond, OK
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just bought a 2000 SS Camaro with only 12,500 miles on it. Took it to a shop and had all the fluids changed out, including the coolant. While at it, I replaced the radiator hoses (all three) and the thermostat as well. Put in a 180 degree stat as the car is all stock. Was not having cooling problems but the car sat most of its life and the stock stat was over 12 years old. May not have needed a new one but just trying to eliminate any potential weak link in the system. My recommendation is to change out the stat and hoses if for nothing else but peace of mind. All very easy to do yourself.
#14
LS1Tech Administrator
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Schiller Park, IL Member: #317
Posts: 32,044
Likes: 0
Received 1,492 Likes
on
1,074 Posts
I just bought a 2000 SS Camaro with only 12,500 miles on it. Took it to a shop and had all the fluids changed out, including the coolant. While at it, I replaced the radiator hoses (all three) and the thermostat as well. Put in a 180 degree stat as the car is all stock. Was not having cooling problems but the car sat most of its life and the stock stat was over 12 years old. May not have needed a new one but just trying to eliminate any potential weak link in the system. My recommendation is to change out the stat and hoses if for nothing else but peace of mind. All very easy to do yourself.