Gas Engine: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Dodge Magnum, 2006 Dodge Charger, and 2006 Chrysler 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The engine cooling thermostat is a wax pellet driven, reverse poppet choke type. The thermostat is designed to provide the fastest warm up possible by preventing leakage through it and to guarantee a minimum engine operating temperature of 88 to 93° C (192 to 199° F). The thermostat also will automatically reach wide open so it will not restrict flow to the radiator as temperature of the coolant rises in hot weather to around 104° C (220° F). Above this temperature the coolant temperature is controlled by the radiator, fan, and ambient temperature, not the thermostat.

The thermostat is operated by a wax filled container (pellet) which is sealed. When heated coolant reaches a predetermined temperature, the wax expands enough to overcome the closing spring and water pump pressure, which forces the valve to open.