What happens if you put the thermostat in backwards?

If you installed the thermostat backwards, it would probably not open up enough to allow coolant to flow, and the temp gauge would shoot up into the far right range, the engine would overheat, etc. Install the new thermostat so the copper heat sensing element is toward the engine.

Does it matter which way you put a thermostat in?

Ideal Thermostat Placement The best place for your thermostat is on an interior wall, away from all the areas we previously discussed (direct sunlight, air vents, your kitchen, hallways, windows and doors). Ideally, it should be placed toward the center of your home.

Which way should a thermostat face?

The shorter end (Arrow B) of the thermostat always points toward the radiator hose, and away from the engine. Therefore, the deep end (Arrow C) of the thermostat always gets installed going towards, or into, the engine.

Can you put a thermostat in a vehicle wrong?

Can you install a car thermostat wrong? If you installed the thermostat backwards, it would probably not open up enough to allow coolant to flow, and the temp gauge would shoot up into the far right range, the engine would overheat, etc.

Is it possible to put a thermostat in upside down?

So if you put it in backwards, the water pump flow will push open the thermostat and cause it to take MUCH longer to heat up. The shorter end (Arrow B) of the thermostat always points toward the radiator hose, and away from the engine. …

Why is my car overheating with a new thermostat?

Why is my car overheating with a new thermostat? Your car could be overheating with a new thermostat for a variety of reasons including a faulty water pump, worn belt, clogged radiator, faulty radiator cap or air in the cooling system.

Why would my thermostat housing be leaking?

A damaged thermostat housing will leak engine coolant when the engine is up to operating temperature. The leak could originate from a crack in the housing, or it could come from a broken seal between the housing and the engine.

Do I need to drain coolant before replacing thermostat?

With a normal top-mounted thermostat you need drain only part of the cooling system . Do not drain it while the engine is hot — you may be scalded. Wait for the engine to cool. Drain the coolant from the radiator tap, or from the bottom hose, until it is below the level of the thermostat housing.

Can you change a thermostat without draining the coolant?

You don’t need to drain all of the coolant, no. Just replace what falls out when you pull the hose off to do the thermostat. Air will get into the system when doing the thermostat, there’s really no way around it. You will need to bleed the cooling system when finished.

Which way does water flow through a thermostat?

Thermostat controls the inflow of cooled coolant. Hot water flows out through the head.

What does the thermostat do on a 1998 Cavalier?

The 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier uses a thermostat to regulate the coolant system. The engine temperature in the Cavalier will rise during operation of the engine. The thermostat opens to release coolant into the engine to lower its temperature.

How do you change the thermostat on a cavilier?

Clean the surfaces of both inlet and outlet surfaces of the thermostat with a pick/awl, gasket scraper and some emery cloth to remove any corrosion or rust. Place the new O-ring gasket onto the new thermostat and insert it into the inlet manifold. Replace the outlet connection and replace the retaining nuts and tighten them.

Why does my Cavalier engine keep getting hot?

The engine temperature in the Cavalier will rise during operation of the engine. The thermostat opens to release coolant into the engine to lower its temperature. Once the temperature is lowered, the thermostat closes until the next time the engine gets hot. A faulty thermostat will stick and not release coolant into the engine properly.

Where is the antifreeze drain bucket in a Cavalier?

Place the antifreeze drain bucket underneath the lower radiator hose. The thermostat is in the lower radiator house in the 2.2 liter Cavalier. Untwist the radiator cap slowly. Do not remove the radiator cap or attempt to replace the thermostat on a hot engine. Allow ample time for the system to cool down before replacing the thermostat.