A wax pellet-type thermostat (1) controls the flow of coolant through the cooling system. The thermostat is mounted in the thermostat housing in the front of the intake manifold.
The following conditions exist when the coolant flow from the engine to the radiator stops:
| • | Warm-ups are faster. |
| • | The coolant temperature is regulated. |
The wax pellet is hermetically sealed in a metal case.
The wax element expands when it is heated. The wax element contracts when it is cooled.
The coolant temperature increases as the engine warms.
The following actions occur when the coolant reaches a specified temperature:
| • | The wax pellet element expands. |
| • | The wax pellet element exerts pressure against a metal case. |
| • | The pressure opens the valve. |
| • | Coolant flows through the system. The coolant cools the engine. |
The pellet contracts as it cools. The contraction causes a spring to close the valve.
The thermostat used in this vehicle begins opening at 82°C (179°F). The thermostat fully opens at 95°C (203°F).
The valve lift when the thermostat is fully open measures at least 8 mm (0.31 in).
An air bleed valve (2) is provided in the top of the thermostat. The air bleed valve vents any gas or air that has entered the cooling system.
