How to Fit a Thermostatic Radiator Valve

Iskandar Blogger 7:32 AM

A radiator's thermostat operates in very much the same way as a gate, in that the thermostat opens and closes. Engines operate at their most efficient within a temperature range specific to that particular engine. Therefore, a cold engine must be allowed to quickly reach this temperature. This is the job of a radiator's thermostat. When an engine is first started, the antifreeze in the radiator is cool. The radiator senses the engine's temperature and prevents the radiator's antifreeze from circulating throughout the engine. Once the engine reaches normal operating temperature, the thermostat opens, thereby allowing the antifreeze to enter and cool the engine. A defective thermostat typically either does not close, which significantly increases the amount of time it takes the engine to warm, or will not open, resulting in an engine that quickly overheats. Replacing a thermostat is a straightforward process, but the thermostat must be installed properly.

Instructions

    1

    Clean the area that surrounds the thermostat on the intake manifold, as well as the thermostat's housing. Because the thermostat regulates antifreeze, the thermostat is a common place for leaks to develop. Cleaning these surfaces will ensure that the thermostat's gasket will seal properly. The surfaces can be cleaned with either a gasket scraper or with the blade of a flathead screwdriver.

    2

    Position the thermostat into place within the engine. Note that one end of the thermostat features a spring. The thermostat must be positioned into the engine so that the spring faces the engine.

    3

    Apply gasket sealer to one side of a new thermostat gasket, then press the coated side of the gasket onto the thermostat housing.

    4

    Apply gasket sealer to the exposed side of the gasket, then lower the thermostat housing over the thermostat until the housing rests against the intake manifold.

    5

    Slide the thermostat housing's retaining bolts through the housing and into the intake manifold.

    6

    Tighten the thermostat housing's retaining bolts to the proper torque specification with a torque wrench. The proper torque setting can be found within the engine's specifications manual, and is typically between 10 and 15 foot-lbs of torque.