Mazda thermostat - A few observations

[widdowson2008]

Just finished initial tests on Mazda stat.

From examination, the Mazda stat has features that the other stats don't - the taper and seal.

I have found out what the taper and rubber (which do not appear on any other stat I have tested) are for.
The taper has been machined to create a lip to accommodate the extra seal making it captive on the brass shaft.
Hence, the seal moves up and down with the stat as it lifts/lowers.
The extra seal seems to be a wiper seal to keep the rod section clean - a good feature.

Results of heat tests show that the Mazda stat reacts quicker than the Blueprint. ie: opens (responds) quicker throughout the temperature range.

The following may be a peculiarity of the stat I tested (I have only tested ONE Mazda stat cos Ian will not give me any more )
Heat tests
On the FIRST test, the Mazda stat was slow to respond.
On subsequent tests, the response temp/lift improved by 4 degrees - these subsequent tests were consistent.
If this is common to all stats (and not just an odd occurrence on the one I tested), would the following be worthy of consideration?
Before you fit a new stat, put it in a pan and heat it up to maximum temperature. This seems to 'wake it up'.

[Northern Bongolow]

hi excellent steve , well done good to see initial thoughts bearing fruit.
regards ady.

[mikeonb4c]

Good work Steve - Mazda stat for me next time around

[missfixit70]

Keep at it Steve, good to confirm what was suspected for the rubber bit

[widdowson2008]

Good work Steve - Mazda stat for me next time around

Looking like the same choice for me too.
Having been in an engineering design environment all my life its easy to spot good quality and design.
Not saying the Blueprint will not do the job Not at all. But for a few dollars more, I can have the real thing, and the peace of mind that goes with it.
And before you start jumping up and down Ian, YES, the stat is still in one piece.

[widdowson2008]

Keep at it Steve, good to confirm what was suspected for the rubber bit

Yep - Seem to remember that coming from you. Looks like you got it right yet again.

[missfixit70]

That was our friends in the north who first mooted that theory, I can't take credit

[widdowson2008]

That was our friends in the north who first mooted that theory, I can't take credit

Sorry our friends up North - looking back it was YOU who first suggested it.
It would be interesting to see the stat from a freshly imported Bongo to see if that has the seal. Who is the best person to contact to find out? Don't necessarily need to have it in my paws - just a pic will do.

[gazza]

Can you tell me where to purchase the Mazda thermostat? Do you have the part number?
Thanks
Garry

[widdowson2008]

Can you tell me where to purchase the Mazda thermostat? Do you have the part number?
Thanks
Garry

Hi Garry
Bongo shop (top right of this page)
Part number for Mazda stat is KL01-15-171A (you dont really need this number - just ask for the genuine Mazda stat)

The Blueprint stat (also from Bongo shop) ADM59208 does the same job but doesnt have the extra seal. Nothing wrong with it but the Mazda stat is a better piece of engineering IMHO

[gazza]

Thanks for the info

[widdowson2008]

Thanks for the info

Have sent you a pm.

[brorabongo]

Before you fit a new stat, put it in a pan and heat it up to maximum temperature. This seems to 'wake it up'.

I'm sure I heard that it was best to test a new stat before fitting, as it is possible for spares to be faulty from new. Definitely best to find out your new stat if duff before fitting.

[missfixit70]

Before you fit a new stat, put it in a pan and heat it up to maximum temperature. This seems to 'wake it up'.

I'm sure I heard that it was best to test a new stat before fitting, as it is possible for spares to be faulty from new. Definitely best to find out your new stat if duff before fitting.

Fully agree , give it at least a couple of goes.

[widdowson2008]

Heat tests
On the FIRST test, the Mazda stat was slow to respond.
On subsequent tests, the response temp/lift improved by 4 degrees - these subsequent tests were consistent.
If this is common to all stats (and not just an odd occurrence on the one I tested), would the following be worthy of consideration?
Before you fit a new stat, put it in a pan and heat it up to maximum temperature. This seems to 'wake it up'.

And when bleeding after a coolant refill? 4 degrees sounds a lot, especially at the top end.
Perhaps if the stat is woken up before fitting, the bleeding process may be easier? Not a statement, more a question.
Has anyone pre heated their stat in this way before fitting?
I asked a well respected physicist (actualy did) to explain the 4 degrees difference and the response was an explanation too big to fit on the forum, but it made sense (at the time )