Stay Heat-Free On the Road with Highly Functional Pontiac Thermostat

Anthony Fontanelle
September 19, 2007

In any internal combustion engine, most of the energy of the fuel is transformed into heat. If heat is not removed quickly the engine would get too hot and cause the metal parts to melt. This is where the cooling system comes into action. It works in keeping the engine cool and functioning at an ideal working temperature. The job of the cooling system is quite simple. The heat created is transferred from the hot parts to the coolant that flows to the radiator to get the heat transferred to the air that is flowing through the fins. The coolant then flows back to the engine and picks up more heat. The different components of the cooling system works hand in hand in efficiently keeping your engine cool. A good set of cooling system is especially important in your Pontiac ride so you get to enjoy the vehicle for miles and miles of driving. Among the components of your Pontiac cooling system that you need to properly maintain and inspect is the thermostat. Although a simple and probably the cheapest part of the cooling system, the thermostat have to be properly maintained to ensure efficient cooling of the engine.

Your Pontiac thermostat has one simple job – that is to block the coolant’s path to the radiator until the engine heats up to operating temperature. When the engine is cold, the thermostat keeps close to keep the coolant flowing only within the engine. As the coolant heats up, the thermostat opens in relation to the heat of the coolant. If the coolant is not yet hot, it is directed to a bypass system that allows the coolant to return directly back to the engine. A thermostat basically consists of an outer body that houses the temperature-sensitive valve that opens and closes depending on the coolant temperature. In most vehicles the thermostat is mounted on top of the engine. In other cars it is mounted at the bottom of the engine near the inlet to the engine. Thermostats have been designed since the 70s to keep the temperature of the coolant above 192-195 degrees and 180 degrees before that. If the engine is run at hotter temperatures, it was found out that the emission is significantly reduced and combustion is more complete resulting to much improved fuel economy.

A sealed copper cup that contains a metal pellet and wax serves as the heart of the thermostat. The hot wax expands as the thermostat heats up. This expansion pushes a piston against spring pressure that opens the valve to allow the coolant to circulate. Some motorists think that if they remove the thermostat in their car, they will be able to keep their car from overheating. This is often not the case. If the thermostat is removed, the coolant will move so fast through the system and will not be properly cooled. This will cause the engine to not reach its operating temperature. If the engine does not reach its ideal operating temperature, fuel economy and vehicle performance will be compromised. As an integral part of the cooling system, keeping your Pontiac thermostat in top shape at all times is vital. Have it regularly inspected and replaced when necessary. Have your cooling system regularly checked by a competent mechanic to determine whether the thermostat is operating efficiently.

Source:  Amazines.com