5.3L T-Stat Question
Mar 28, 2017 | 11:08 PM
#1
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5.3L T-Stat Question
Someone told me recently that the OEM t-stat that GM makes for the 5.3L engine is "fail safe" in that if it ever fails it fails in the open position so the coolant will still be able to flow and not overheat the engine.
Anybody know if there is there any truth to this?
Anybody know if there is there any truth to this?
Mar 31, 2017 | 10:14 AM
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I've heard this myth debunked from personal experiences where they will fail at any old way they fail.
Mar 31, 2017 | 11:09 AM
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OK, thanks. That means the OE design is not actually fail safe.
Looks like I'm going to go ahead and remove the T-stat from it's original place so I can install a T-stat housing which can accept a MotoRad fail safe T-stat.
I've used these for years on my vehicles and others and if they fail they do actually fail in the open position.
I like this idea to help prevent coolant from being blocked in the event the T-stat happens to fail which I know is not often and may even be unlikely... just want a little something extra to help protect my nice aluminum LS engine.
Looks like I'm going to go ahead and remove the T-stat from it's original place so I can install a T-stat housing which can accept a MotoRad fail safe T-stat.
I've used these for years on my vehicles and others and if they fail they do actually fail in the open position.
I like this idea to help prevent coolant from being blocked in the event the T-stat happens to fail which I know is not often and may even be unlikely... just want a little something extra to help protect my nice aluminum LS engine.
Mar 31, 2017 | 11:12 AM
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OK, thanks. That means the OE design is not actually fail safe.
Looks like I'm going to go ahead and remove the T-stat from it's original place so I can install a T-stat housing which can accept a MotoRad fail safe T-stat.
I've used these for years on my vehicles and others and if they fail they do actually fail in the open position.
I like this idea to help prevent coolant from being blocked in the event the T-stat happens to fail which I know is not often and may even be unlikely... just want a little something extra to help protect my nice aluminum LS engine.
Looks like I'm going to go ahead and remove the T-stat from it's original place so I can install a T-stat housing which can accept a MotoRad fail safe T-stat.
I've used these for years on my vehicles and others and if they fail they do actually fail in the open position.
I like this idea to help prevent coolant from being blocked in the event the T-stat happens to fail which I know is not often and may even be unlikely... just want a little something extra to help protect my nice aluminum LS engine.
Mar 31, 2017 | 11:15 AM
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The truck I'm working on is new to me and only has about 24k on it and it's a 2009 model.
I was reading up on the science behind coolant and it's effect on engines and the general consensus is to do flush the system it about every couple of years, maybe 3 at the most.
I was reading up on the science behind coolant and it's effect on engines and the general consensus is to do flush the system it about every couple of years, maybe 3 at the most.
Mar 31, 2017 | 11:19 AM
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Dexcool is supposedly good for 5 years or 150k miles
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Mar 31, 2017 | 03:31 PM
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There were a ton of lawsuits filed against GM over this and it almost was granted class action status.
GM changed the materials they use for gaskets and sealants that are not effected by Dexicool as much as before... but Dexicool does contain corrosive components as well as other popular coolants.
A little searching on the net will reveal more info about this if one is interested in knowing more.
GM changed the materials they use for gaskets and sealants that are not effected by Dexicool as much as before... but Dexicool does contain corrosive components as well as other popular coolants.
A little searching on the net will reveal more info about this if one is interested in knowing more.