Thermostat and temp gauge question

[Dhorn33]

I posted this on the Accordwagonclub.com site that I recently joined after selling my 93 EX Sedan and buying a 95 LX 5-speed wagon - but this site has always been great so I figured I would check here too....

I bought my 95 Accord wagon this weekend but this is the 3rd Accord I have had in the past 3 years so I am not new to these cars. The last 2 were a CB7 and a CB9 - and both had issues with thermostats that prevented the car from getting to the normal operating temperature. They ran cool - and after a bunch of fiddling and some thermostats from the local parts store I ended up fixing the issue by installing a geniune OEM Honda t-stat purchased through the dealer. (For WAY too much $$!) I always found this odd - but so far I have had no luck at all with aftermarket thermostats in any Hondas.

This brings me to my current issue - again my new car does not seem to be hot enough and does not generate enough heat. I have already messed with the heater valve, linkages, etc - and I think it is another aftermarket t-stat issue. The temp gauge never gets above 1/4 - is this normal or if not - where does yours read under normal driving conditions? Has anyone else had issues with non-OEM thermostats in these cars? (F22b2 engine)

[carps_accord]

you could have a faulty temp. gauge..i would get a mechanicle one and go from there

[HondaFan81]

I have not had Tstat issues with aftermarket or OEM. I try to use OEM whenever I can, but have used aftermarket when time is an issue.

F22ax/bx when fully warmed up should run at 1/4 to 1/3 of the gauge range (from full cold gauge start). This is also a sign of a well running coolant system.

Also, the OEM Tstat range you should be using are 180 F rating. Running lower temp Tstats are not good, unless you are in very hot climates, then I would go no lower than 170 F. Honda engines should be within this temp range to run properly, even from a performance standpoint.

If the coolant temp gauge in instrument panel is not functioning properly, it is usually attributed to the one-wire connection coolant temp sender unit located under the distributor base. It's a cheap replacement. For me, it usually causes the engine coolant temp gauge to shoot up full hot as soon as you power the car (not starting engine), which is obviously not truly happening.

If your engine coolant temp never gets between the 1/4 to 1/3 range, then it's usually the Tstat failed in the open position OR it's temp range is too low for your engine.

[kouzie]

Very true. I sometimes have the same problem of not using OEM.
For me sometimes OEM does make a difference.