[V6-12v] Thermostat lifespan

[Tom Christiansen]

Folks,

Just a quick update. It was pointed out to me that a stuck pressure
relief valve in the expansion tank cap can cause exactly the condition
I describe due to overpressure in the system. I tested my cap by
shaking it. It no longer rattles. So maybe the valve is stuck. I now
have a reservoir cap on order from the dealer. I figured it'd be worth
the $6.50 to try it out before spending $50 to change a thermostat.
The cap will be here Monday.

Yesterday I drove to work with the reservoir cap on loosely to test
the overpressure theory. The temperature still did not come up as
normal. Very little heat from the vents... I doubt it's the cap, but
it's a cheap test.

Tom

On 6/20/06, Kevin S <turboaudi99 at hotmail.com> wrote:
> James, thats pretty surprising to think that your thermostat would be the original after 136k.  considering timing belts should be changed every 60k or so which at that time a new water pump & thermostat should be installed.  not saying it couldnt be the original one. just surprising if it is and hasnt been replaced...
>
> im convinced that if you have a heater core failure and your system increases to above average operating temperatures, you should replace the thermostat.(and might as well do the timing belt and new updated inner metal propeller waterpump)  but im no audi certified tech.  just talking from experience
>
> Tom, I would agree with you that the thermostat should last in excess of 60k under normal operating circumstances.
>
>
>
> ----------------------------------------
> > From: james_whitehouse1 at yahoo.co.uk
> > To: tomchr at gmail.com; v6-12v at audifans.com
> > Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2006 11:48:46 +0100
> > Subject: Re: [V6-12v] Thermostat lifespan
> >
> > Hey Tom,
> >
> > Mine's starting to get stuck open too (slow, although doesn't seem to be
> > fully so yet. However, looking back at the service history, etc. It looks as
> > if it's still on its original thermostat at 136,000 miles, so yes, I'd say
> > that 30,000 is a very early failure. As you say, it would make sense that
> > they last at least to the timing belt change intervals...
> >
> > James
> >
> >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: v6-12v-bounces at audifans.com [mailto:v6-12v-bounces at audifans.com] On
> > > Behalf Of Tom Christiansen
> > > Sent: 19 June 2006 05:06
> > > To: v6-12v at audifans.com
> > > Subject: [V6-12v] Thermostat lifespan
> > >
> > > 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
> > > _______________________________________________
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