sr20 thermostat help

[Ebrannon240]

Hi everyone, this spring i just swapped a sr20det into my s13 and its been running great. But there's been two times I've had it over heat just from typical daily driving. I was wondering if there's a diff thermostat i can use because my temp gauge works but only goes about halfway and doesn't give me anymore reading or fluctuation. Either that or remove the thermostat altogether? I'm storing it in winter so i guess heating wouldn't be a big problem if it stops my car from OVERheating. Thanks for any help

[Infinitiguy19]

Did you swap all the cooling system parts that are required for that engine into the the 240SX? If not do so or if so replace what ever is malfunctioning. From what I know the interior temperature gauge is not to be trusted and thermostats usually fail open preventing the engine from reaching proper operating temperature.

[Ebrannon240]

K i'll look into that, thanks

[moso]

.......thermostats usually fail open preventing the engine from reaching proper operating temperature.

Not entirely true. The fail-safe (fail open) thermostat is definitely not the only thermostat on the market, and this also doesn't account for a worn or "lazy" thermostat. A thermostat that opens slowly or not completely.

[Hijacker]

The thermostat is one of those items you should replace when you put the motor into a car. And I only say that because you have no clue how many miles are really sitting on that motor. It's just good, cheap insurance.

While I agree that the factory temp gauge isn't perfect, I've had it save my butt a few times. What I would do is replace the thermostat and consider how your fan is set up. I don't know if you kept the clutch fan, but I really don't like them. A good e-fan setup is better IMO.

[Ebrannon240]

kk i'll get the thermostat asap. I'm actually all stock fan system right now and from the beginning had plans to get a koyo radiator with dual fan setup over the winter while I'm storing the car. I may hook my electronic fan to a switch right now just so I have control over it. And yea I still have the stupid clutch fan lol, losing that thing once I can afford to slap in the radiator/fan setup.