RAM 1500 Van V8-5.9L VIN Z LDC (2001)
Thermostat: Description and Operation
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: Do not operate an engine without a thermostat, except for servicing or testing.
The thermostat on the 3.9L, 5.2L and 5.9L gas powered engines is located beneath the thermostat housing at the front of the intake manifold.
The thermostat is a wax pellet driven, reverse poppet choke type.
Coolant leakage into the pellet container will cause the thermostat to fail in the open position. Thermostats very rarely stick. Do not attempt to free a
thermostat with a prying device.
The same thermostat is used for winter and summer seasons. An engine should not be operated without a thermostat, except for servicing or testing.
Operating without a thermostat causes longer engine warm up time, unreliable warm up performance, increased exhaust emissions and crankcase
condensation that can result in sludge formation.
OPERATION
The wax pellet is located in a sealed container at the spring end of the thermostat. When heated, the pellet expands, overcoming closing spring tension
and water pump pressure to force the valve to open.
