Thermostat Question

[evan55]

I had a thermostat installed 2 months ago, when I got the car back the engine temp gauge needle was going from halfway to about 3/4 of the way up (sometime a bit higher) when the car was at running temp. It never goes in the red zone

Is this normal? I took the car back to the shop and told them about this, they said that the thermostat has a higher heat range..Also since the temp is usually high my rad. fans are always going which is kind of annoying.

[Huffer]

That is normal with a thermostat that has a higher sensitivity to temps...but the OEM thermostats will peg the H/C temp needle usually right on halfway.

[evan55]

Do you think it would be worth changing to a OEM Thermostat?

[dplacencia]

I would do an OEM or a low temp thermostac. I have a Crucial for my car not installed yet. I needle ner goes past half way. I also have a Crucial radiator cap.

[Plays_with_Toys]

Let me rephrase your question, and I think it'll make sense to you too.

Is it a good idea to keep aluminum at a higher than normal heat range for an extended period of time?

I'd definately switch to OEM subaru thermostat. Even my napa one wasn't the right size and was missing the bypass hole. Most thermostats don't have the bypass hole that subies need to run at the right temperature...

And why the heck would someone install a hotter t-stat? I installed a colder one in my toyota and it ran great, but hotter?

[evan55]

Yeah thats what I was thinking, I cant see having a hot engine a good idea.

How much is it usually for a Subaru T-stat installed at the dealership?

[decke48]

a hotter engine will only be better for emissions in a sence
around $13 for the t stat. $20 in coolant?, half hour of labor like $60-$70
21200AA072KITJJ

[evan55]

The dealership said it would also need the gasket. About $130 for everything + tax