Neon R/T L4-2.0L VIN F HO (2001)
Thermostat: Description and Operation
DESCRIPTION
The engine thermostat is located on the left front side (radiator side) of the cylinder head in the thermostat housing/engine outlet connector. The
thermostat has an air bleed (vent) located in the flange and a O-ring for sealing incorporate on it. A relief in the thermostat housing/outlet connector is
provided for the O-ring.
OPERATION
The engine thermostat is a wax pellet driven, reverse poppet choke type. It is designed to provide the fastest warm up possible by preventing leakage
through it and to guarantee a minimum engine operating temperature of 88 to 93°C (192 to 199°F). Also, the thermostat will automatically reach wide
open, to accommodate unrestricted flow to the radiator as temperature of the coolant rises in hot weather to around 104°C (220°F). Above this
temperature the coolant temperature is controlled by the radiator, fan, and ambient temperature-not the thermostat.
A thermostats primary purpose is to maintain engine temperature in a range that will provide satisfactory engine performance and emission levels
under all expected driving conditions. It also provides hot water (coolant) for heater performance. It does this by transferring heat from engine metal
and automatic transmission oil cooler (if equipped) to coolant, moving this heated coolant to the heater core and radiator, and then transferring this
heat to the ambient air.
