TAMA vs OE Honda Thermostat

[nwjones18]

Need to do some coolant system work on my 2008 Honda CRV and I'll make a post about that later, but wanted to make a specific post about the Tama thermostat I ordered from Rockauto. On RA it claims to be the actual OE part which intrigued me, and upon arrival I believe that to be true. Made in Japan and had a little sticker covering where (I assume) the Honda badging was ground off.. Tama was $21 on rockauto vs $70 from Honda.

Here's a link with good pictures of the OE thermostat:

https://la-parts.com/products/genui...n43KcQFmqcPCbGWvMJQd6fw0cvSDyMaA_2BrYEULj0pQ8

 

[CarLuver]

see it on BMW parts often. lot of parts made by outside suppliers

 

[Lubener]

I would go with the $21 stat. I would never pay $70 for a thermostat.

 

[Rand]

I would go with the $21 stat. I would never pay $70 for a thermostat.

depends on the thermostat if it was a junky MotoRad or a 70$ oe I'd vote with my wallet for doing the job once.
In this case it looks like the TAMA is a good option

 

[Trav]

TAMA is good stuff, the sticker is quite probably hiding the OE branding that was ground off.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Aftermarket channels are not allowed to sell OEM branded parts (Honda in this case), so they grind off the Honda name/logo.

 

[Andyd95]

tama is good stuff, likely oe.

 

[Lubener]

depends on the thermostat if it was a junky MotoRad or a 70$ oe I'd vote with my wallet for doing the job once.
In this case it looks like the TAMA is a good option

Thermostats generally are easy to replace. I would take my chances.

 

[willbur]

Need to do some coolant system work on my 2008 Honda CRV and I'll make a post about that later, but wanted to make a specific post about the Tama thermostat I ordered from Rockauto. On RA it claims to be the actual OE part which intrigued me, and upon arrival I believe that to be true. Made in Japan and had a little sticker covering where (I assume) the Honda badging was ground off.. Tama was $21 on rockauto vs $70 from Honda.

View attachment 337568View attachment 337569View attachment 337570

Here's a link with good pictures of the OE thermostat:

https://la-parts.com/products/genui...n43KcQFmqcPCbGWvMJQd6fw0cvSDyMaA_2BrYEULj0pQ8

Thanks- very helpful

 

[dfarr67]

For a Toyota application I purchased an Aisin stat- it's a Tama.

 

[PandaBear]

I would go with the $21 stat. I would never pay $70 for a thermostat.

I think I mentioned that a cheap Stant radiator cap was stuck closed and ended up causing air pocket in my cooling system, then leads to a warped head and leaking head gasket.

I would think the $21 Tama is good stuff as that stat is obviously an OEM with label grind off. After that head gasket, I would no longer trust a retail only brand who doesn't do OEM business, especially the ones owns by private equity.

 

[dfarr67]

I think I mentioned that a cheap Stant radiator cap was stuck closed and ended up causing air pocket in my cooling system, then leads to a warped head and leaking head gasket.

I would think the $21 Tama is good stuff as that stat is obviously an OEM with label grind off. After that head gasket, I would no longer trust a retail only brand who doesn't do OEM business, especially the ones owns by private equity.

Weak links in the chain of expensive repairs.....think- if only I had sprung for a better part. Things like this I may not buy OEM but I strive to buy the product that the OEM subs the contracts to or an equivalent. no skimping.

 

[dfarr67]

For a Toyota application I purchased an Aisin stat- it's a Tama.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01LXLSPZ4?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

 

[zzyzzx]

As long as it's not a Motorad, or rebadged Motorad you are good. I would use that Tama with confidence.