Testing Tractor Cooling System Thermostat

[GBCMAN]

Hi
Has anyone tried testing thermostat using a pot of water on the stove and a accurate thermometer.
I tried a few 180 degree ones. Made sure the side that sets in engine block and has the pellet side
is covered by water and not setting on the bottom.
Water temp started at 80 degrees and by time reached
200 degrees and close to boiling on low stove setting. Couldn't notice any opening or movement in the thermostat.
Am I doing something wrong or is this just a bad way to test thermostats?
Thanks

 

[bo]

Nope...good test..starts to open at 180 and finishes opening at some higher temp. Maybe 190

 

[JMS/.MN]

I use a candy thermometer.......or the one for meats.

 

[guido]

Hello CBCMAN,

That is the way, use a spirit thermometer, or one that you KNOW is accurate. Thermostat should be fully open 10 degrees above stamped temp,

Guido.

 

[Russ from MN]

I used to use a glass coffee pot and a cooking thermometer, they would work fine that way but not in the engine. I suspect a weak spring.

 

[Cliff Nelson]

You're doing it right. Time for a new thermostat.