Thermostat Test Procedure Using Tempil Sticks
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 GMC Sierra, 2004 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2004 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The coolant thermostat can be tested using a temperature (tempil) stick. The temperature stick is a pencil like device. It has a wax material containing certain chemicals which melt at a given temperature. Temperature sticks can be used to determine a thermostat's operating range, by rubbing 87° C (188° F) and 97° C (206° F) sticks on the thermostat housing.
- Use a tempil stick in order to find the opening and the closing temperatures of the coolant thermostat.
- J 24731 -188 tempil stick melts at 87° C (188° F). The thermostat should begin to open.
- J 24731 -206 tempil stick melts at 97° C (206° F). The thermostat should be fully open.
- Replace the coolant thermostat if it does not operate properly between this temperature range.