Nice tidbit for those with barely any heat

[Levitan]

I purchased the correct thermostat today, here in Des Moines, from a Minneapolis based company; Factory Motor Parts Co. $23.42 w/gasket

[hot4dl8ly]

Thermostats

I just found at a online auto parts store called Auto Parts Warehouse-what looks like our O.E. thermostats. They are listed as a Nippon part, and look identical to our two stage units. Only problem is they are listed at a price of almost nineteen dollars-plus shipping.

[drof 89]

Three dots of Super Glue on housing. Insert stat and hold. Good to go. With no breakee!

[blindcornbread]

Appreciate all the info. I've had my '88 Festy for about 2 months now. I need all the info I can get!


Denton,TX.

[spiko]

Going to check on this today, I need heat!

[ejp2fast]

I just called the local Mazda dealership and had them quote a 1988 Mazda 323 non turbo.
They said the P/N is 8AK1-15-171-9U. He didn't know if it was a dual or single stage, but as stated on page 2 it is mazda's dual stage. $19.17 Mazda, here i come!

[ejp2fast]

makes a big difference! my gauge actually moves now. now my needle stabilizes 0.5" above the C.

[ejp2fast]

heres a pic where the needle is stabalized:

[wirebrain]

Thermostat Question

I just got off the phone with the local Mazda Dealer and ordered one for $19.17 I definatly am giving it a try. When I first got my Festiva I remember changing the Thermostat.... but I used a Stant to replace a Stant.......and the Gage almost never gets to the first mark . I am really tired of having to wear my insulated coveralls and scrape the insides of my side windows in subzero weather...lol

Got a Question....on the new Thermostat should the small valve go towards the top...or doesn't it matter?

[FB71]

yes, to the top, and yes, it does matter.

[hotfordcat]

I have used both the Ford and the Mazda t-stats. The Ford is a little more involved with the style of the dual stage. The Mazda is the more simplified style but works just as well and is less expensive.

[drddan]

Mazda t- stat

Mazda t-stat (Miata,323,etc) for 1.6 engines. Just got off the phone with a Mazda dealer here in st. louis. Said part # for this t-stat is:
#8AK1-15-171-9U. I've seen the Ford part number here, but not the Mazda #
The Ford dealers still have the t-stat. I'm on my way to pick it up now.
Ford $22.......Mazda $25

[blue*93]

these T-stats in my opinion are indispensible! swapped oldie for a stant... then when that did not help this was after flush, fluid, hoses etc. tried new mazda 2 stage... more that twice the heat, and steadier gauge reading!

[hot4dl8ly]

holding t-stat centered

The only way I have been able to keep t-stat centered while tightening is either to glue it in place as mentioned, or use a piece of mechanics wire hooked to it to keep a little tension towards the housing, then after tightening down just pull wire loose through hose neck hole. I think our OE t-stats are Nippon parts as these are the only aftermarket ones I have seen that are dual stage. -Michael-

[ericsmith32]

Funny I didn't remember this thread from when I was here last. Good thing I came back as the Festiva I'm borrowing the thermostat is shot. 200k on the original I guess isn't bad. Ordered the motorcraft version ($23) and timing belt kit (34) from amazon.. a bit higher but has free shipping. Couldn't find it the local part stores but didn't try the dealer (probably would of been sky high anyways).