Elantra Thermostat Question

I just had my car into the dealer for the 4 year/48,000 mile service
which, of course, includes replacement of the timing belt. The tech
that works on my car at the Hyundai dealer is excellent, and he
suggested that I keep an eye on the cooling system, and replace the
thermostat with an aftermarket, such as Stant, etc., rather than the
OEM Hyundai thermostat. He said that the OEM thermostat has a
tendency to stick closed, whereas the aftermarket thermostats, if they
fail, will fail open. Of course, if a thermostat sticks closed, this
is a big problem as overheating will result. If this is the case, I
find his suggestion refreshing, but surprising.

Has anyone else been told this?

Thanks,
Don

 

I haven't been told that, but I had my thermostat fail (stick closed -

suspect/wonder if the overheating is what damaged my radiator (which
eventually sprung a leak).

-Matthew

 

I find the claims regarding the mode of failure of the aftermarket
thermostats suspect, but also have no direct experience. I can
confirm that I've witnessed numerous 2.0 Elantra thermostats stuck
closed. Not sure why, but I haven't seen this as much on Tiburon, and
I don't recall a single instance on Tucson. I suppose it could simply
be related to sales volume.

I've had to replace numerous cylinder heads on Elantras due to
thermostat (or other cooling system) failures followed by continuing
to drive the car. Replacement of the thermostat with OEM or
aftermarket helps put the odds in your favor that you won't have a
problem.

 

Thanks. The Hyundai technician the the dealership said that he's seen
a number cracked/failed radiators, and of course, warped heads due to
the OEM thermostat failing in the closed position. Now, if one is to
consider an aftermarket thermostat - from which manufacturer? I've
always had good luck with Stant thermostats and radiator caps, and
they do have two types of 180 degree thermostats for the Elantra - one
they call their OE Type Thermostat, P.N. 48588, and the other what
they call their Regular Thermostat, P.N. 14648.

He also said that the Elantra's water pump has a tendency to leak due
to premature seal wear. Obviously, I have no historical perspective
on this. I change coolant every 24 months, but I wonder if a water
pump lubricant additive is worthwhile, or just a waste of money??

 

He also said that the Elantra's water pump has a tendency to leak due
to premature seal wear. Obviously, I have no historical perspective
on this. I change coolant every 24 months, but I wonder if a water
pump lubricant additive is worthwhile, or just a waste of money??

****************************************************************

I've been leary of additives ever since my water pump in the '61 Bonneville
went a week after a mechanic told me it would help prevent a problem. Maybe
coolants and additives have improved in 40 years, but I still tend to avoid
additives.

When I lived in PA, state inspection had to be done twice a year. Shops
were always trying to sell you something small to boost profits while they
did the inspection. Most were headlight adjustments, wiper blades, or
additives. That was cheaper than fixing the problems we did not want them
to find like tire rod ends, ball joints, drag link, etc. State inspection
was a joke. Costly joke.

 

Not sure what the difference would be. The Stant website indicates
that both are indeed 180F theremostats, but doesn't state the
difference other than the "OE style" comment. The OE thermostat is a
two stage thermostat that helps prevent a sudden temperature drop at
thermostat opening. Perhaps that's what they're referring to.

Waste of money. Modern coolants lubricate as well as provide boil
over and freeze protection.