What to Do If the Thermostat Fails?

[DeHarley]

The thermostat should be replaced immediately if it fails. The thermostat is part of the cooling system and is used to control the coolant's circulation between the large and small loops. Water-cooled engines rely on the continuous circulation of coolant within the engine for heat dissipation. Water-cooled engines require antifreeze, which has two circulation paths within the engine: one is the large loop, and the other is the small loop. When the antifreeze is in the small loop, it does not pass through the radiator for cooling, which helps the engine warm up quickly. Once the engine reaches its normal operating temperature, the antifreeze switches to the large loop, where it passes through the radiator for cooling, keeping the engine within a reasonable operating temperature range. The component responsible for switching between the large and small loops is the thermostat. If the thermostat is damaged, the antifreeze cannot switch between the loops, which will affect the engine's normal operation. If the antifreeze remains in the small loop, it can cause the engine to overheat. Continuing to operate the engine under overheating conditions can easily lead to cylinder scoring.