Pontiac Thermostat
Pontiac thermostat is a part of the cooling system that is used to regulate the
temperature of the engine. If the engine is cold, this device stays close and
allows no coolant to pass. This concept helps the engine to warm quickly especially
on cold morning to ensure that the engine will run on its specified temperature
level. The remaining coolant on the engine block warms and causes the thermostat
valve to open slightly. Subsequently, some coolant from the radiator is allowed
to flow through to ensure that the engine will stay on its operating temperature.
As the temperature of the engine continues to rise; the valve of the Pontiac
thermostat opens widely directly proportional to the increasing heat of the coolant
in the engine. Under any condition, the valve opens completely when the engine’s
temperature is fully warmed.
Typically, a Pontiac thermostat is composed of an outer casing that accommodates
a highly sensitive temperature valve that opens and closes based on the temperature
of the coolant inside the engine. However, newer thermostat design uses a computer
controlled valve that is operated by the powertrain control module of the vehicle.
Most thermostats are located at the top of the engine. There are also engine designs
with which the thermostat is mounted at the bottom.
The Pontiac thermostat is a vital part of the cooling system of your Pontiac
vehicle that must be maintained regularly. A faulty or damage thermostat can cause
serious damage to the engine such as overheating, knocking when accelerating,
and increase in fuel consumption.
