Learn More About Thermostat, Gasket & Housing

The engine cooling system is an integration of multiple components that perform different tasks to ensure your vehicle engine is always at the right temperature. The thermostat is also a component of your engine cooling system. It is present between the engine and radiator. Its primary task is to ensure coolant level flows between the block and radiator as per requirement by the vehicle.

Thermostat gaskets are present to provide a seal between the thermostat housing and the vehicle engine. A worn-out gasket can cause coolant leaks, which in-turn can cause several problems. The reason the gasket gets damaged is that of expansion and contraction it does through as per coolant level temperature. This gasket can cause overheating of the engine if it stops working and coolant leak increases.

Thermostat gasket housing as the name implies, is where the thermostat is housed. The coolant outlet in most internal combustion engines is the thermostat housing. The engine coolant passes through ports in the engine block and head. It travels through the thermostat housing and makes its way into the radiator where the coolant level gets cooled.

Here are the types of thermostat, gasket and housing for you to understand which one would work best for your vehicle:

1. Bimetallic Type Thermostat - It is an automatic valve that regulates flow based on temperature. Bimetallic thermostats are used in either the seam or hot water of the radiator system. In this case, the thermostats may entirely be equipped with a bimetal strip.
2. Wax Pellets - The job of this type of thermostat is to maintain the core temperature of the engine at the right degree. It does this by regulating the coolant flow to an external heat sink. This external heat sink is typically an air-cooled radiator. It operates mechanically and makes use of wax pellets; this wax will melt from its solid state if the engine heats up and expands. A stick is present inside the space wherein as the wax melts, the valve is opened due to the increase in temperature. Even though the operating temperature is fixed, it is determined by the wax composition, which makes this type of thermostat versatile. The temperatures can range between 70 to 90 ° C (160-200 °F).
3. Electronic Thermostat - These are advanced versions of the traditional thermostats. They are also referred to as programmable digital thermostats. These thermostats have a digital unit which allows you to enter the temperature settings as required by your vehicle via buttons. After you have set the temperature preference, it will automatically perform its job. A record is maintained of the temperatures for reference as well.
4. Cylinder Head Gasket - It is made up of either copper or steel. Mainly, it is utilized on passenger cars and trucks.
5. Oil Pan Gasket - This type of gaskets comprise three different materials. namely cork, felcoid and felcoprene.
6. Manifold Gasket - They are resistant to burn out but are a bit expensive.
7. Pump Gasket - It comprises several materials like asbestos, karropak, felcoids, and more. They are treated to withstand oil, petrol, water, and anti freeze liquids.
8. Standalone and integrated thermostat housing - Same job is done by all the thermostats; they delay the circulation of engine coolant until the car engine starts warming up. On the engine side of the car thermostat, there is a small wax filled cylinder which does not start melting until the car engine reaches the thermostat design temperature which is generally about 180 degrees F. There is a tiny rod which is connected to a valve which is closed when the engine is cold, when the wax starts melting, it expands and pushes the rod which in turn opens the valve. This will allow the coolant to flow. Regardless of whether the thermostat is a standalone device or one which is integrated in the thermostat housing, the operation is similar. 

It’s always good to know how the various parts of your vehicle work. This helps in understanding their importance and function better. Below you will find how the thermostat and gasket works:

At the time of ignition, the thermostat of your vehicle is closed. There is absolutely no flow through the radiator. The coolant circulates only within the engine and through the vehicle heating system via a small by-pass valve which is open and hence allows the coolant level to flow. As time passes, the engine warms up to operating temperature. This is when the thermostat gradually opens to allow coolant to flow through the radiator. In case of cold weather, if the engine temperature has dropped drastically and is nearing the lower limit (194°F or 90°C) of the operating range, then the thermostat will close. This is how the thermostat can maintain the correct operating temperature of the engine.

A gasket is a mechanical seal which fills the space between two or more mating surfaces. It helps in preventing leakage from or into the joined objects while under compression. Gaskets allow for "less than perfect" mating surfaces on machine parts where irregularities can be filled.

Have a look at the working of Housing

The thermostat housing is an essential part which is in the engine in between the engine and the radiator. When the car engine cools off below the operating temperature, the thermostat housing is closed. The closed off parts of the engine and allow the coolant to properly and effectively circulate and move through the engine.

It is essential to keep the thermostat housing closed so that the coolant can travel to the radiator, which is in charge of transferring the heat. When the temperature of the engine increases to the top end of the engine operating range, the thermostat housing has to open. 

When the thermostat housing opens, the radiator can start cooling the coolant before moving back to the engine. 

While all the components of the cooling system are interlinked and even the symptoms exhibited by a problematic component are similar, there are 4 common symptoms which are associated with a poor/failing thermostat, gasket, and housing.

1. High-Temperature Reading and Engine Overheating - A high reading on the gauge is a sure sign that your vehicle needs attention. This also typically the first sign of a non-functional thermostat. Chances are that the coolant isn’t entering the engine as the thermostat isn’t opening up to allow it through. Ignoring this can lead to engine problems.
2. Low-Temperature Reading and Underheated Engine - If the thermostat is stuck in the open position, there is over overflow of coolant, which will result in a drop of temperature beyond need. The temperature gauge on the dashboard will reflect this by remaining at the lowest setting. Since the engine is now running on very low temperature can not only reduce its efficiency and increase emissions but also deteriorate the connected components.
3. Temperature Changing Erratically - At times the thermostat isn’t stuck in any one position, but is somehow producing false readings of temperatures. These fluctuations can cause dramatic increase and decrease in temperature which eventually will cause lowered engine performance. This also impacts fuel efficiency.
4. Coolant Leaks Around Thermostat Housing or Under Vehicle - When the thermostats don’t allow the coolant to flow through as it is stuck in the closed position, it can lead to coolant leakage. You will be able to find it mainly at the thermostat housing. The coolant puddles can be found underneath the vehicle.

There are several skilled auto mechanics who have a goal of opening their own car repair shop in their career. But let’s face it; if you want to put up an efficient and profit making shop, then you might need much more than mechanical skills. There are several tools which you might need to perform the car repairs quickly as well as reliably. Auto repair equipment that you will need to repair your car thermostat, gasket & housing may include:

Thermostat:

• Good quality thermostat replacement
• 9 Litre bucket or drip pan
• Gasket
• Gasket sealant
• Screwdriver or pliers
• Small socket wrench
• Small adjustable wrench
• A small scraper or wire brush
• A clean rag

Thermostat Housing:

• Bucket
• Pliers
• Socket wrench

If customers trust a brand, then it would make them loyal, and if they are loyal, then they will surely buy again. We know well that customers want comfort and satisfaction in their lives and that’s the reason we offer top quality auto parts brands to our customers. We provide a positive experience to our consumers from the brands which we offer so that they can form an opinion that a particular auto parts brand is trustworthy and would give them peace of mind while purchasing it for their car. Here we have listed out some top brands for car thermostat, gasket & housing:

• Cooling Depot Thermostat Gasket And Housing
• Four Seasons Thermostat Gasket And Housing
• Mr.Gasket Thermostat Gasket And Housing
• Fel-Pro Thermostat Gasket And Housing
• Dorman (OE Solutions) Thermostat Gasket And Housing
• Federated/Four Seasons Thermostat Gasket And Housing
• Gates Thermostat Gasket And Housing
• Motorad Thermostat Gasket And Housing
• CST Thermostat Gasket And Housing

There might be a big-picture overview of car thermostat, gasket & housing in your mind, and now it’s time to look at its related components.

• Thermostat Housing
• Thermostat Housing Bolt
• Thermostat Connector
• Thermostat Housing Cap
• Thermostat Housing Gasket
• Thermostat Gasket
• Thermostat With Housing

There are a lot of factors which should be considered when you are thinking of replacing Thermostat, Gasket & Housing. First, decide that if you require some related parts of Thermostat, Gasket & Housing or a whole Thermostat, Gasket & Housing needs to be replaced. Then the next step is to decide what type of make and type of Thermostat, Gasket & Housing you are actually dealing with and from where will you get a brand new one. After that, the next point which should be considered is that from where you are going to get it replaced and how quickly it needs to be done. Typically, the cost for a thermostat replacement can range between $214 and $250. Labour costs would be separate and can set you back between $116 and $147 approximately. The parts themselves can range between $98 and $103 approximately.

The thermostat gasket can cost you around $1,000 for replacement. The labour charges will be based on the mechanic you choose, his experience and how many parts need replacement. For the thermostat housing replacement, you may have to dish out between $284 and $328 approximately. The labour charges can range anywhere from $154 and $195 approximately, and the prices of the parts can go up-to $133, starting at approximately $130. You will have to pay taxes over and above these estimates.

Follow these simple steps to change the thermostat:

Step 1 - Let the engine cool till both; the engine and coolant are at room temperature. This may take several hours depending on the temperature of the engine and weather.

Step 2 - Drain the coolant completely.

Step 3 - Access the thermostat. For this, you will have to remove all the components that are blocking access.

Step 4 - Carefully remove the thermostat housing as well as the thermostat

Step 5 - Replace with new thermostat housing gasket and thermostat. Tighten up all the fasteners as specified by your vehicle manufacturer

Step 6 - Refill the coolant with new coolant. Ensure you bleed any air that was trapped in the system.

Step 7 - Check for any leaks by pressuring the cooling system

Step 8 - Now start the engine and let it reach operating temperature, check for any leaks

Step 9 - Verify if the engine is able to reach the correct operating temperature. This will be a sign that the installation was successful.

Following are the steps for thermostat gasket installation:

Step 1 - Park your car in neutral. Set the emergency brakes as well. Put on safety glasses and gloves.

Step 2 - Access the battery by opening the hood and cut off the battery. You can use a socket and wrench for this and place the battery in a clean and dry surface.

Step 3 - Start flushing all the old coolant, place a drain pan under the radiator drain valve for this. Slow twist the radiator cap clockwise so the coolant can exit (use pliers if needed).

Step 4 - Find the thermostat housing. It will be under the upper radiator hose, which you will need to pull out. Once it’s out safely, remove the clamp which is holding the thermostat to its housing. Remove the two bolts holding the thermostat as well, using a socket and ratchet.

Step 5 - Separate the thermostat from the housing and get the gasket scraper to scratch off the entire residue off the old gasket. Using small circular motions, continue on till you see the metal part. Using a rag clean the housing via carburettor cleaner.

Step 6 - Now you can put back the thermostat to the housing and place the new gasket on the opening. Ensure that the screw holes are aligned properly. Go ahead and replace the bolts.

Step 7 - Re-attach the thermostat housing to the vehicle and put back the clamp as well as the radiator hose as it was before removal.

Step 8 - Refill the radiator with water and new coolant and close the radiator drain valve. After putting back the cap reconnect the car battery. Carefully close the hood and start the engine and check for any coolant leaks.

Steps to change thermostat housing replacement are:

Step 1 - Start by disconnecting the battery and cooling the engine. Drain out the coolant present by placing a bucket underneath.

Step 2 - Carefully unscrew the fan which is present between the engine and radiator. Do this by using a suitable tool like a ratchet screwdriver. This will gain you access to the thermostat housing.

Step 3 - Visualise all the hoses that connect to the thermostat housing and unscrew the first metal rings you are able to find. Remove the hoses with the help of pliers, and set aside all the screws. Make sure you remember which one goes where, to be able to put them back in the right place during the end of the process.

Step 4 - Now loosen the bolt which is located at the upper part of the housing. You can do this by using wrench but do not remove it completely.

Step 5 - Using a ratchet screwdriver remove all the bolts that attach the thermostat housing to the engine block of your vehicle.

Step 6 - Get rid of the seal by gently tapping the housing, lift off the housing. Ensure that the housing unit is not scratched or damaged.

Step 7 - Now install the new housing by simple screwing in all the bolts removed earlier. Tighten them properly.

Step 8 - Simply trace back your steps by reattaching all the parts you have removed.

Step 9 - Refill the coolant system with fresh coolant and go for a test drive. Double check for any coolant leaks and the level of the coolant, to be sure.

Note: It’s normal to see some amount of coolant dripping from the thermostat housing.