2001 5.7 engine thermostat question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 114
Likes: 16
2001 5.7 engine thermostat question
Anybody change out the stock thermostat for the 186 thermostat. Engine is running on the hot side. I want to replace my current thermostat for the 186 thermostat. Is the thermostat separate or part of the elbow/neck and all one piece. I've read where you have to buy the whole unit and other owners just installed the thermostat by it self. I can buy either one. Wheres the best place to purchase.
Thanks
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Is that temp while driving or when stopped at a light or something? If that is while stopped, and the car is stock, that is a normal temp. If the temp is that high while moving, then the radiator and condenser is the issue. These cars are bottom feeders and they will pick up all kinds of dirt on the road. Sometimes even big stuff like plastic bags.
Easier solution to the thermostat, should you want a lower temp, is to modify your stock one. Its an old modification not discussed much any more.
Easier solution to the thermostat, should you want a lower temp, is to modify your stock one. Its an old modification not discussed much any more.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 275
Likes: 21
From: North Carolina
Anybody change out the stock thermostat for the 186 thermostat. Engine is running on the hot side. I want to replace my current thermostat for the 186 thermostat. Is the thermostat separate or part of the elbow/neck and all one piece. I've read where you have to buy the whole unit and other owners just installed the thermostat by it self. I can buy either one. Wheres the best place to purchase.
Thanks
Thanks
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,440
Likes: 2,184
From: Buffalo Texas
when you hear flushing the rad. here, it is mostly talking about the crud on the rad fins outside of the rad, the C 5 gets the cooled air from underneath and acts like vacuum and sucks up all kinds of garbage 
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 275
Likes: 21
From: North Carolina
Actually my temps run on the open road on the Digital Reading, not the Analog on the display, 195dg and around town they don't get much higher than 195 unless I get stuck in traffic and it goes to about 205. Before I put in the new thermostat and Rad. Cap it ran 220 plus all the time.
About the rubber gasket that comes with the thermostat, take a good look at it and you will see a small notch sticking out less than a 1/4 inch. Then look inside the part that you took the 2 bolts out and you will see a notch in it also. Make SURE these two notches line up and the gasket will be right and not leak.
About the rubber gasket that comes with the thermostat, take a good look at it and you will see a small notch sticking out less than a 1/4 inch. Then look inside the part that you took the 2 bolts out and you will see a notch in it also. Make SURE these two notches line up and the gasket will be right and not leak.
Last edited by nmbsun; Jun 15, 2019 at 04:25 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 114
Likes: 16
thermostat
[QUOTE=nmbsun;1599587993]Go to Advance Auto and buy a 186dg thermostat. Take the two bolts out and you do not have to take the radiator hose off. The thermostat fits in the crook of the neck that you took the two bolts out of. Be sure and seat the supplied rubber gasket well or it will leak, pay attention as there is a notch where the rubber gasket fits into the neck. Also buy a new AC Delco radiator cap 18psi. All from Advance Auto for under 25 dollars. After I did the above my temps never get over 205 on the open road and never over 220 in stop and go driving in HOT Myrtle Beach, SC.[/QUOTE
What year is your corvette. I bought just the thermostat only at advance. My corvette os a 2001.. Some c5 have the thermostat as part of the elbow housing as one piece. I`m concerned I may need the thermostat w/ elbow housing .
What year is your corvette. I bought just the thermostat only at advance. My corvette os a 2001.. Some c5 have the thermostat as part of the elbow housing as one piece. I`m concerned I may need the thermostat w/ elbow housing .