[V6-12v] Thermostat lifespan

[Tom Christiansen]

Folks,

It obviously figures that immediately after I replace my heater core,
the thermostat is now stuck open prompting me to spend even more hard
earned cash on that liquid Audi gold coolant. Dammit!!

Anyway. It got me thinking: What's the average lifespan of a
thermostat. Mine has a couple of years (2-3) and 30k miles on it. Is
it normal for a thermostat to fail this early? I'd think it was
designed to last at least 60k so it could be replaced along with the
timing belt.

At least it's stuck open. Not shut...

Tom