Thermostat Recommendation Needed

[Pat]

I usually try to remain with Mazda parts but I realize that sometimes
its worth going with other brands. I have a 1991 Miata and the
thermostat is about gone. I can not remember the last time it was
replaced, could be many years old. Should I get a stock Mazda
thermostat from a Mazda dealer. They're about $30 with a gasket.
Also,

NOTE:

My manual says the temp of thermostat is 185 deg. F, and is a WAX
type, whatever that is.

[Lanny Chambers]

In article
<351b1a0d-9552-4384...@j24g2000yqa.googlegroups.com>,
Pat <winp...@hotmail.com> wrote:

> Should I get a stock Mazda
> thermostat from a Mazda dealer.

Yes, this is one place where few aftermarket parts work as well as OEM.
The Mazda thermostat has two flaps that open at different temperatures.

--
Lanny Chambers
St. Louis, MO
'94C

[Christopher Muto]

Pat,

A Mazda thermostat and gasket is only $19.95 plus shipping from
http://finishlineperformance.com/store/product.php?productid=16458

And FWIW, Rod's says...

At 188-193F the main valve should start to open, and should befully open
(8mm/0.31" lift) at 212F.
The thermostat is fitted into the housing so that spring side is inward
and the smaller valve is uppermost. Fit the cover using a new gasket,
noting that the gasket tab must face the top of the cover. Tighten the
cover bolt and nut to 19-25 Nm (1.9-2.6 kgf m/14-18 lbf ft).

[Hal]

> I usually try to remain with Mazda parts but I realize that sometimes
> its worth going with other brands. I have a 1991 Miata and the

Dealer parts always seem to work best IMHO. Aftermarket is really a
hit or miss.

> replaced, could be many years old. Should I get a stock Mazda
> thermostat from a Mazda dealer. They're about $30 with a gasket.

YES. Worth the money because with a dealer part you will replace it,
and it will work.

>
> My manual says the temp of thermostat is 185 deg. F, and is a WAX
> type, whatever that is.

Most thermostats are a wax pellet style, the Miata thermostat is a 2
stage deal. I doubt anything you find aftermarket will match OE
performance.

If nothing else, buy your hoses and thermostat from the dealer. I've
already been burned by aftermarket hoses myself, but my 97 NA still
has the factory thermostat and when/if it fails I will go to dealer
for a replacement. As it stands right now, it warms up to just below
the middle of the gauge and never deviates from that point.

Change your coolant every 2 years and the thermostat will last just
about forever. Case in point, I.just sold my '97 Kia Sephia, 115k,
still had the original thermostat, and it warmed up to 1 line below
the middle of the gauge every time I drove it. It had a Mazda BP
engine, and a Mazda G5M transaxle in it from the factory. I bought the
car new, and I changed the coolant every 2 years(amongst other
maintenance of course...)

Good luck with it.

Chris