hi Scotty, my 1990 B2200 mazda pickup had overheating issues for awhile, alot of stuff has been done to it to fix the issue, but to no avail, finally, a mechanic friend told me to try to add 1-more hole to the thermostat to see if it helps, fortunately, that did solve the over heating problem, but since then, the engine have never pass the first quarter mark on the radiator thermostat, only one time did it went pass the quarter mark and into the more than 3/4 mark and it was during one of those california heat waves while driving up and down on the I-680 from San Jose to Livermore, but it did not boil over. Is it a good idea of have that extra hole on the thermostat? thanks, more power to you.
have you tried a brand new high quality thermostat?
I had installed a Stant 180 degree, and tried a stant 195 degrees unit, both were said to be compatible with my mazda. The unit that had a small hole added was the Stant 180 degree. Mechanic told me that for some reason, the thermostat is not opening when it reaches the heat setting of the thermostat. Its been running just fine after the hole was added, I have not notice any problems yet running cold, but it never passes the 1/4-mark, it actually reads just slightly above the first mark
If you try a new thermostat, put it in a pot of water before installing it. Heat the water on the stove. You should see the thermostat open well before the water boils.
