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Elantra Thermostat Question

I just had my car into the dealer for the 4 year/48,000 mile service which, of course, includes replacement of the timing belt. The tech that works on my car at the Hyundai dealer is excellent, and he suggested that I keep an eye on the cooling system, and replace the thermostat with an aftermarket, such as Stant, etc., rather than the OEM Hyundai thermostat. He said that the OEM thermostat has a tendency to stick closed, whereas the aftermarket thermostats, if they fail, will fail open. Of course, if a thermostat sticks closed, this is a big problem as overheating will result. If this is the case, I find his suggestion refreshing, but surprising.

Has anyone else been told this?

Thanks, Don

Reply to
Don Allen
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I haven't been told that, but I had my thermostat fail (stick closed -

suspect/wonder if the overheating is what damaged my radiator (which eventually sprung a leak).

-Matthew

Reply to
Matthew Fedder

I find the claims regarding the mode of failure of the aftermarket thermostats suspect, but also have no direct experience. I can confirm that I've witnessed numerous 2.0 Elantra thermostats stuck closed. Not sure why, but I haven't seen this as much on Tiburon, and I don't recall a single instance on Tucson. I suppose it could simply be related to sales volume.

I've had to replace numerous cylinder heads on Elantras due to thermostat (or other cooling system) failures followed by continuing to drive the car. Replacement of the thermostat with OEM or aftermarket helps put the odds in your favor that you won't have a problem.

Reply to
hyundaitech

Thanks. The Hyundai technician the the dealership said that he's seen a number cracked/failed radiators, and of course, warped heads due to the OEM thermostat failing in the closed position. Now, if one is to consider an aftermarket thermostat - from which manufacturer? I've always had good luck with Stant thermostats and radiator caps, and they do have two types of 180 degree thermostats for the Elantra - one they call their OE Type Thermostat, P.N. 48588, and the other what they call their Regular Thermostat, P.N. 14648.

He also said that the Elantra's water pump has a tendency to leak due to premature seal wear. Obviously, I have no historical perspective on this. I change coolant every 24 months, but I wonder if a water pump lubricant additive is worthwhile, or just a waste of money??

Reply to
Don Allen
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I've been leary of additives ever since my water pump in the '61 Bonneville went a week after a mechanic told me it would help prevent a problem. Maybe coolants and additives have improved in 40 years, but I still tend to avoid additives.

When I lived in PA, state inspection had to be done twice a year. Shops were always trying to sell you something small to boost profits while they did the inspection. Most were headlight adjustments, wiper blades, or additives. That was cheaper than fixing the problems we did not want them to find like tire rod ends, ball joints, drag link, etc. State inspection was a joke. Costly joke.

Reply to
Ed Pawlowski

Not sure what the difference would be. The Stant website indicates that both are indeed 180F theremostats, but doesn't state the difference other than the "OE style" comment. The OE thermostat is a two stage thermostat that helps prevent a sudden temperature drop at thermostat opening. Perhaps that's what they're referring to.

Waste of money. Modern coolants lubricate as well as provide boil over and freeze protection.

Reply to
hyundaitech

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