Caution: As long as there is pressure in the cooling system, the temperature can be considerably higher than the boiling temperature of the solution in the radiator without causing the solution to boil. Removal of the pressure cap while the engine is hot and pressure is high will cause the solution to boil instantaneously -- possibly with explosive force -- spewing the solution over the engine, fenders and the person removing the cap.

If the thermostat sticks open, the engine warms up slowly. If the thermostat sticks closed, the engine will overheat.

Inspect the thermostat. Test the thermostat using the following procedure:

1. Drain the coolant to a level just below the thermostat. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
2. Remove the coolant outlet.
3. Remove the thermostat. Refer to Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement .
4. Unless the thermostat is obviously faulty, before replacing the thermostat, test the thermostat using the following procedure:

4.1.	Place the thermostat and a thermometer in a container with a 50/50 solution of water and ethylene glycol antifreeze.

4.2.	Place the container over a heater.

Important: While heating, do not rest the thermostat or the thermometer on the bottom of the container. This causes the thermostat and the thermometer to be at a higher temperature than the solution.

4.3.	Agitate the solution in order to maintain a uniform temperature of the solution, the thermostat, and the thermometer.

The thermostat valve should start to open at the rated temperature. The thermostat should be fully open after the temperature has increased 15°C (27°F).

A used thermostat can be about 6°C (10°F) above or below these settings without adversely affecting the thermostat and you do not need to replace the thermostat. If the thermostat does not operate at the temperatures specified, replace the thermostat. You cannot adjust the thermostat. Refer to Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement .