Thermostat: Description and Operation

DESCRIPTION
A pellet type thermostat is used in the coolant outlet passage to control the flow of engine coolant, to provide fast engine warm-up and to regulate coolant temperatures. A wax pellet element in the thermostat expands when heated and contracts when cooled. The pellet is connected through a piston to a valve. When the pellet is heated, pressure is exerted against a rubber diaphragm which forces the valve to open. As the pellet is cooled, the contraction allows a spring to close the valve. Thus, the valve remains closed while the coolant is cold, preventing circulation of coolant through the radiator. At this point, coolant is allowed to circulate through the engine, heater core, and bypass.

OPERATION
As the engine warms, the pellet expands and the thermostat valve opens, permitting coolant to flow through the radiator where heat is dissipated. This opening and closing of the thermostat permits enough coolant to enter the radiator to keep the engine within operating limits. Thermostats are designed to open and close at preset temperatures. If a thermostat does not operate properly, it should be removed, and inspected.