L502s Thermostat Replacement, Location?

Questions and Answers
1

Hello! My thermostat appears to be stuck open because the gauge on the dash only ever tops out at just barely above the minimum cool.

  1. Does that sound like a stuck open Thermostat?

  2. Can anyone guide me to where the Thermostat is in the engine bay? I’ve followed the hose from the bottom of the radiator to something bolted onto the engine with a sensor plugged into the top of it. I’m pretty sure that’s it. Can I unbolt that when the car is cold without dumping tons of coolant?

Planning to buy this thermostat from Japan and try it out for the fix.

I just want to be sure before I get in there :slight_smile: Thanks guys!

2

There are only 2 bolts fastening the thermostat’s housing:

Tstatforum
Tstatforum792×553 194 KB

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3

Thank you! I’m still curious if the issue I described sounds like thermostat stuck open or not before I replace the thermostat :slight_smile:

Should I replace the gasket as well?

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4

probably a good idea. Also you dont know yet if you even have a thermostat in there.

5

It worked about 100 miles ago and worked well. I drove it from San Diego to Atlanta 2,300 miles (home) and it was perfect. So I definitely think there is a thermostat in there!

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6

Thermostats are subjected to wear. I’ve replaced them before, because their bi-metallic springs get tired.
Of course, you should renew the gasket. If one isn’t available and you don’t cut your own gasket from readilly-available gasket paper, you could also try using silicone