If I throw a stock temp t-stat in boiling water it should open, correct? Or is that just for the 180* t-stats? Wasn't sure if it had to account for pressure, etc. New one I bought isn't popping open in boiling water

 

yes it should pop open. stock should open at 203. boiling water is 220.

 

Only temperature opens the thermostat. Water temperature can be measured using a candy thermometer.

 

When in doubt I would replace it. Not like they cost much.

 

True enough. The labor to remove/reinstall is the expensive part. Actually, what you're supposed to do is suspend the 'stat in water and heat it up until the 'stat opens.

 

Maybe at the bottom of Death Valley. Otherwise it's 212F or less.

 

Yupp I always was told to test them stick it in a pot and bring the water up to boil and it should open and when cooled should close back up. I guess same difference tho.

 

Yes, dropping a thermostat into water and bringing it to a boil is a valid test.

Boiling point of water at sea level is 212.15* F or 100* C.

Incidentally, if I calculated it correctly, the boiling point of water at Death Valley, where the lowest point is 282 feet below sea level would be 212.77* F. Not much of a difference.

 

Okay, thats what I thought. Figured I'd test the new thermostat before I threw it in. 95* Celsius it opens, at my elevation water boils at 98*. You'd think they'd test them from the factory

 

Hee, hee.