What are the reasons for a thermostat failure?
4 Answers
Reasons for thermostat failure: 1. Extended warm-up time, electric flatbed trucks operating at lower water temperatures allow combustion gases and condensed water on cylinder walls to form acidic substances, corroding the cylinders; 2. Liquid fuel and water wash away the lubricating oil film on cylinder walls and flow into the oil pan, diluting the lubricating system's oil, leading to premature wear of components such as cylinder liners, pistons, and rings; 3. If the cylinder block has defects repaired with adhesive, the absence of a thermostat causes excessive temperature fluctuations between cold and hot, frequent contraction and expansion of the cylinder block can cause the adhesive to peel off, resulting in diesel engine malfunctions. The thermostat is a crucial component for controlling engine water temperature. Damage to this part can prevent the engine water temperature from being maintained within the range of 90 to 115 degrees Celsius. Exceeding this range can exacerbate wear between the cylinder and piston.
The common reasons for a thermostat failure mainly boil down to prolonged use leading to natural aging of internal components. Long-term engine operation causes metal springs to fatigue and lose elasticity, resulting in stuck or uncloseable valves. Poor-quality coolant mixed with impurities can form deposits that block gaps, causing the thermostat to stick and fail to move. Frequent driving in high-temperature environments increases the failure rate due to material expansion and deformation, especially during summer traffic jams when engine overheating accelerates wear. Electronic thermostats are also prone to malfunction due to unstable voltage or corroded wiring. Preventive measures include replacing high-quality coolant every two to three years and checking for abnormal temperature gauge readings. If symptoms like unrising or fluctuating water temperature appear, replace the thermostat promptly to avoid costly engine damage from overheating.
In my driving experience, the thermostat failure was mainly due to internal wear after high mileage. That old car had driven 100,000 kilometers, and the valve plate was rusted and deformed, getting stuck. Once, I used cheap coolant which caused sediment to clog the gaps, making it unable to open or close properly, resulting in consistently low water temperature. During summer highway driving, the engine overheated, and metal thermal expansion led to easy cracking. Another incident was a minor accident that deformed the radiator, causing the thermostat to shift and accelerate wear. I've learned to choose genuine coolant and replace it every two years. Symptoms like abnormal temperature gauge readings or insufficient heating in winter are warning signs. Early intervention can prevent engine failure, saving both money and hassle.
I understand the root causes of thermostat failure, mostly due to corrosion buildup or debris blockage. Prolonged use of poor-quality coolant leads to sediment jamming the valve, while aging causes spring failure. Sudden temperature changes, such as alternating between extreme heat and cold, create high stress and easily cause cracks. The key to prevention is using high-quality coolant and replacing it regularly, avoiding improper DIY installation that may misalign the part. Symptoms like an unresponsive or fluctuating temperature gauge indicate it's time for inspection. Timely replacement of faulty parts with new ones saves small costs to prevent major issues, and proper maintenance extends the overall vehicle lifespan.
