Stant 195F Thermostat Results

[mechtech2]

The thermostat rating is the opening temperature - when it initially starts to open.
They vary from piece to piece, and mfr to to mfr, even when rated the same.
The spring pressure may have felt different because of different temperatures, one has a longer travel, or other design differences. Or, the old one may have been puked.

I'd match up a sensor reading vs. temperature [get a chart for your car], to see if it is reading right.

The thermostat, sensor, and gauge all have a + or- of error. These parts are not on the Space Shuttle.

 

[rationull]

Originally Posted By: The Critic

It's a '96, and yes it is an OBDII. I do plan to get a readout from a data reader, but I don't own one. I'll try to borrow one, obtain the results and report back when I get a chance.


I'd let you borrow mine if it weren't for the 2.5 hour drive

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
The thermostat rating is the opening temperature - when it initially starts to open.
They vary from piece to piece, and mfr to to mfr, even when rated the same.
The spring pressure may have felt different because of different temperatures, one has a longer travel, or other design differences. Or, the old one may have been puked.

I'd match up a sensor reading vs. temperature [get a chart for your car], to see if it is reading right.

The thermostat, sensor, and gauge all have a + or- of error. These parts are not on the Space Shuttle.


Exactly, hence my point about manufacturer tolerances and it probably being within spec.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
The fan will come on when it gets to 215 IIRC. So I wouldn't be too worried.


Actully it's 226F unless you have the AC on then the fan should come on anytime the AC is on.


That's why I said IIRC, I don't own a Saturn, just remember this from my buddy's SC1. I knew it got high enough on the gauge that it was freaking us out and then the fan came on and the gauge PLUMMETED.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
The thermostat rating is the opening temperature - when it initially starts to open.
They vary from piece to piece, and mfr to to mfr, even when rated the same.
The spring pressure may have felt different because of different temperatures, one has a longer travel, or other design differences. Or, the old one may have been puked.

I'd match up a sensor reading vs. temperature [get a chart for your car], to see if it is reading right.

The thermostat, sensor, and gauge all have a + or- of error. These parts are not on the Space Shuttle.

Right, the package said 195F. The thermostat had 87C printed on it, which is equivalent to 188.6F. So I assumed that the thermostat would open at 188.6 and be fully open by 195, but I'm not sure if that's really the case here.

Anyway, I'm just going to leave the Stant unit in there and see how the MPG is.

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
That's why I said IIRC, I don't own a Saturn, just remember this from my buddy's SC1. I knew it got high enough on the gauge that it was freaking us out and then the fan came on and the gauge PLUMMETED.

The first generation S-Series cars did not turn on the cooling system fan until the temp gauge reached the 3/4 mark. It was nicknamed the "scare the [censored] out of the owner" cooling system fan for that reason.

 

[Drew99GT]

I think you're worrying a lot over nothing Mike. Sounds like it's working perfectly.

Many GM vehicles are designed to run hot. On all our GM sedans, the low speed fan kicks in at about 220-225 and off at about 210-215 (estimating by the [censored] gauge). The high speed doesn't turn on until it looks like it's about to overheat on the gauge; 230-240. It's normal. If you search, many GM/Saturn owners report this, and from what I've read, on most GMs, the low speed fan is set to turn on at about 226 like Chris142 indicated. Seems weird in the summer that the car runs coolest in stop and go driving with the A/C on, but it does, since the fans are running non-stop. But it always cools down to about 205 (with a 195F stat) when moving.

Also, I've noticed that with a lot of thermostats, the temp will go a bit over it's rated temperature, then drop down below it's rated temp, then stabilize right around the rated temp, during it's opening process.

 

[Cutehumor]

the fan in my sunfire doesn't turn on until the temp gauge moves almost 3/4 up during the summer. it made me think it was a headgasket leak, but the UOAs have come back clean and no coolant loss.