87 Honda Thermostat
 

I need help finding the location of the T-stat. It appears to be behind the motor with the lower radiator hose connecting it? :confused: Normally t-stats are on the end of the motor to allow it to get warm quicker?
I have never seen a t-stat connected to the cool water return line.
Anyone have experience with this?

As some of you know, I failed emissions, replaced a number of components and figured it would not only fix my emission problem, but figured it would constantly put me over the 40MPG mark.
My milage hasn't improved and may have even been a tad worse.
I noticed my car wasn't providing the heat that is used to, and noticed the temp gage was below it normal range.

I'm thinking the t-stat was probably a contributing factor to my emissions failure!

Re: 87 Honda Thermostat
 

Its out and definitely on the return hose.....

Re: 87 Honda Thermostat
 

Here's the difference on the t-stats anyone seen this before? in stead of a rubber seal on the end, the new one is just metal?
https://www.fuelly.com/attachments/fo...dc41ebf41a.jpg

Re: 87 Honda Thermostat
 

you might need to buy the seal/gasket in addition to the t-stat.

Re: 87 Honda Thermostat
 

When I called they said thats the way they make them now? And no additional
seal either. :confused:
s/t

Re: 87 Honda Thermostat
 

The Honda dealer's replacement thermostat will likely have the rubber piece on the end- the most critical place that it needs to seal tightly in order to warm up quickly is the large end.

Re: 87 Honda Thermostat
 

The new one is a factory Honda part? :confused: It seems to be working, I just need some really colds days now to see how it acts. It seemed like it would hardly warm up with 9* temps driving on the interstate. The heater was plowing only warm air.

Re: 87 Honda Thermostat
 

A partial grill block would help to speed warm up.

My 87 Civic's engine also takes quite a long time to warm up fully- even with my 50% grill block.

Re: 87 Honda Thermostat
 

My 93 VX takes about 4.5 miles to warm up on it's own with light driving. That's with the heater setting set to cold. The engine bypasses the heater when the control is set to cold. (I think your 87' is the same way, a cable activated valve on the return line) If I run the heat on high for the duration of those miles, it wont be warm until 5 to 6 miles. (our average temp is around 20df right now) The heater core does provide a fair amount of cooling to the motor. Try running the heater in the cold position until the needle is at it's fully warm mark. (if you can stand it)
Better yet, install a block heater. They are cheap, can be run on a timer, are relatively easy to install, save gas (and yes, pay for themselves in spite of the cost of electricity to run them, assuming you don't run it all night), and make the vehicle way more comfortable to get into.

Here's an aftermarket Tstat that has the gasket in question:
https://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk...%26+Drivetrain

B

Re: 87 Honda Thermostat
 

This was not the case in my car (87 civic). I purchased everything from the dealer and the price was the same as NAPA.
Anyway it's heating up quickly- even with the heater on high, my temperature gage is stable when driving on the interstate with sub freezing temps too. The best part- I have to adjust the heater control down or I'll be well done by the end of your commute!

FYI- This has also fixed my failed emissions dilemma I posted before (search my username). I fixed every little known issue with my car, only to barely pass with a one year certification (barley passing).
When I went in for this years test I actually was expecting them to give me bad news... The guy came back with his paper work with a 2 year Cert. It took me a while to remember me doing this thermostat - This probably was the issue the whole time, but you'd never notice with Normal/warm temperatures .
s/t

Re: 87 Honda Thermostat
 

The new Honda Thermostat failed after only a year!
It's under a 12 month 12000 mile warranty, I think I'm going with a Stant t-stant- maybe use their heavy-duty one?
The rubber gasket may be a problem but will have to see when I get it. :confused:

What would cause this to fail so soon? (it's not allowing the car to fully warm up. I think it's closing, but after it starts warming up it only get partly warm
(before I would have to turn down the heater).

Re: 87 Honda Thermostat
 

Check the stamped date on the old thermostat. I bought one for my old crx that was stamped 1990 or something like that. Very old stock. I was finally able to find one that was 2010 mfg date.

Re: 87 Honda Thermostat
 

The only thing I see on it is 78C and 09 11

I put the new Stant and the OEM in the pot of water.
The OEM started opening quick ~ 183 and the Stant didn't really open til 188F
I took them both to 200F and let them cool slowly. The Stant closed at 180F and the OEM was still wide open, it didn't close until 170.

My theory is the OEM opened when it warmed up, and once the cold water from the radiator started flowing by it cooling it only slightly, and preventing it to fully warm / maintain 180F.

When I first put it in I'd get 8 miles and would be chocking down the heater. Now I can drive the full commute (31 miles) and only turn the fan down to low.

Temps are only in the low 30's.