Re: Coolant Problem/Thermostat location? '92 100

["Enis, Robert O" <roenis@tva.gov>]

Several listers commented on loss of coolant and/or erratic temperature
gauge function but with no clear source for a leak.  In January I had the
same problem with my 89 200 tq.  Knew I was losing small amounts of coolant
(smell) and temp. readings were somewhat higher than normal.  Finally, one
night the temp. readings rise near overheat.  I stop and can see small
amounts of coolant arount the overflow bottle but no source.  Start the car
and temp. gauge reads lower so apprehensively I drive on.  Few miles down
the road the temp. gauge spikes again.  Leave car running while I check
again and can't find a leak source.  As I was about to close the hood the
overflow cap released a 'puff' of coolant.  My thought is 'oh s**t, head
gasket', so I have the car towed to my dealer (130 miles - these things
never happen near home, do they?).  Turns out to be the thermostat.  With
the towing bill this turned out to be a very expensive thermostat.  So -
moral of story - don't discount the thermostat as the source, even if it's
new.  Could be a bad thermostat.  

BTW, I saw an ad recently in a parts store for a thermostat that 'fails
open' instead of 'closed'; but I don't remember the brand name.  Has anyone
had any experience with such a thermostat?

Bob Enis
Knoxville, TN
89 200tq
90 100