How do I test a thermostat?

Question

I've boiled water and checked them that way before, but is that the only way to see if a t-stat is working? Is it right that a 195 t-stat is "full-open" at 195 degrees?

Seems to me that if this is the case that I should see a fully open thermostat in boiling water. But the one I am questioning is not fully open in boiling water, to my knowledge.

Thanks, Snowman

GM Tech · Accepted Answer

Just replace it and be done with it. For the cost, not worth the hassle. Cam

Luke · Answer

Agreed. Replace it, for the $5 it'll cost you it's not worth the hassle.| Just replace it and be done with it. For the cost, not worth the hassle.Cam| > I've boiled water and checked them that way before, but is that the only| way| > to see if a t-stat is working?  Is it right that a 195 t-stat is| "full-open"| > at 195 degrees?| >| > Seems to me that if this is the case that I should see a fully open| > thermostat in boiling water.  But the one I am questioning is not fully| open| > in boiling water, to my knowledge.| >| > Thanks,| > Snowman| >| >||

Snowman · Answer

Ok, so after I buy a new one that I suspect not working, I should buy another one that I may suspect not working? I wasn't asking about replacing one - I was asking about testing one.

I've boiled OEM t-stats before and aftermarket and they act completely different. OEM opens at a much higher temp where the after market one started opening a minute or so before.

Snowman

Dave Brower · Answer

SnowmanA 195 degree thermostat should begin to open at about 190 and be fully openat about 220 degrees. Don't take this as gospel, as I'm not an expert, but Idid read this somewhere. It's the criteria I use and it works for me. I tooalways check new stats before installation because I've gotten too manydefective ones off the shelf.Dave

Chuck Schembri · Answer

I usually find when boiled using a candy thermometer a 195 degree thermostatwill be around half open and then fully open by 205 degree's. I always checknew thermostats before I install it be I have a 4x4 Chevy van and it is apain to get to anything. So, that is why I always check first.Regards,Chuck78' Chevy 1 Ton 4X4 Van: I've boiled water and checked them that way before, but is that the onlyway: to see if a t-stat is working?  Is it right that a 195 t-stat is"full-open": at 195 degrees?:: Seems to me that if this is the case that I should see a fully open: thermostat in boiling water.  But the one I am questioning is not fullyopen: in boiling water, to my knowledge.:: Thanks,: Snowman:::

How do I test a thermostat?

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