Thermostat lifetime?
 

Hi all,

I have a -96 Audi A6 with the V6 engine. A year ago, the timing belt, waterpump and thermostat were replaced. Now the temperature has started to drift.

When driving slow, the engine reach its temerature with no problem. When driving on a road with a speed approx. 50 mph, the temp decreases - running downhill, it decreases more - driving uphill, the temp increase again.

From my knowledge about cars, I would say the thermostat doesn't close. What else could it be than the thermostat since the temp follows the way of driving?

It could be dirt clotting the thermostat opening or a broken thermostat.

Any experience regarding this?
One year liftime of a thermostat is too short.

Hoping for some feedback..

John

RE: Thermostat lifetime?
 

It does sound like the thermostat. I would opt to replace it again.

RE: Thermostat lifetime?
 

I am not sure if you have found the answer to your question but it is probably the Thermostat Temp rating that is causing this. This is my experience. If you have a Thermostat that is set to open at 160 and the OEM is say 180 this will cause a difference. My guess is that you live in a mixed climate area? If this is so and you get a pretty cold winter then it will take forever for the car to warm to operation temperature. Perhaps the temp rating is on the receipt from the shop?