How To Test an Engine Thermostat with an Infrared Thermometer

How to test an engine thermostat is good or bad while still in the engine using an infrared thermometer.
Amazon Link Infrared Thermometer: amzn.to/43VE9i9
How To Test an Engine Thermostat with No Tools Video
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[@mso1758]

What readings you would get if it’s stuck open? Also, what would be a normal difference?

[@jamesmahle1259]

Yes, I'm an old school wrench learning how to use my new ray gun and same as mso1758 below, i am not clear on the readings for a t-stat which is stuck open. Intuitively i would think the temp remains the same (more or less as you move away from the block) when it's stuck open but that the temps would be somewhat lower or something? Please clarify when you got a moment. thnxs

[@3dplanet100]

Great video. Is there's a way to know when the thermostat is about to fail? I have a 2005 Civic and no issues so far. Am asking because sometimes I have to travel far away on heavy trafficked roadways, (and some of the roadways here don't have a shoulder), and I have heard about cars that unexpectedly got their thermostat stuck close leaving the car stranded and overheating. So I would like to know if using that infrared thermometer (or other method) gives you an idea that the thermostat is about to fail. Thanks.

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

You can go by the mileage it is rated to go up to, otherwise it is difficult to predict.

[@flolou8496]

???? What if your coolant system has air gaps in it and you don't rule that out first
This advice is straightforward which is great, however I wonder if it's accuracy isn't compromised if
your coolant system has not been ''burped '' properly or required bleeding after major repairs like a changed radiator,
Woudl this infrared thermostat test, still be valid if there are gaps of air where there should not be:?
There are literally over 200 videos on this subject on UA-cam, but many are inconsistent
in the methods used to perform such a test first, but this one link to this video I'll provide here
was better than most: See:
ua-cam.com/video/VvkAvt8_fMc/v-deo.html
How To Easily Remove Trapped Air From A Car's Cooling System
proclaimliberty2000
276K subscribers
as well as this one:
ua-cam.com/video/VvkAvt8_fMc/v-deo.html
Overheating After Replacing Radiator, Pump, Thermostat? Burp Coolant to Remove Air Pockets!
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