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  1. #1
    FEP Super Member erratic50's Avatar
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    Default Failsafe thermostats

    Just wanted to share my experiences with failsafe thermostats. Don't remember the brand but it was a 195 and came from Autozone.

    Water pumps and radiators are nearly new on both cars, stock replacement fan clutches are new too. They were correctly filled and topped off with the front of the car up as high as possible on 2 ton stands.

    i don't remember ever having so many problems with temp control. First the cars on the A of normal when they are usually on the O. Temp gun showing 230 on a IR at the thermostat. Next thing you know they are on cold for days and never showing more than about 5 degrees warmer than it is outside. Now one is back to running near overheating the other acts normal.

    Both thermostats are less than 6 mo old but these thermostats stick something fierce. Total junk!

    just my experience on two 86's. Both are timed aggressively, one is entirely stock one has an intake swap and headers. They were both fine before these thermostats. Swapped to them on one during water pump replacement. Seemed like a good preventative step at the time on the other one.
    Last edited by erratic50; 08-08-2017 at 03:05 AM.

  2. #2
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
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    Default

    My experience with the Failsafe brand of thermostats was virtually identical. I installed one in my PC due to the car not heating up properly due to a worn out 2.3L Suddenly I have an overheating issue. I replace the unit with another just assuming that I got a "bad" one. The next unit worked for about a week and then failed in the open position which is better than overheating, but still ONE WEEK! WTF!!!!

    Bottom line is I will never use Failsafe thermostats again. I have to say that they are harder to find these days, but I continue to have good luck with Robert Shaw brand of thermostats. Other than that I only install Motorcraft in my Fords, even when that means I have to order it from Rock Auto or go to the worthless Ford dealer here in town.
    ​Trey

    "I Don't build it hoping for your approval! I built it because it meets mine!"

    "I've spent most of my money on Mustangs, racing, and women... the rest I just wasted."

    Mustangs Past: Too many to remember!
    Current Mustangs:
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    1982 GT Stalled RestoModification
    1984 SVO Still Waiting Restoration
    1986 GT Under going Wide Body Conversion Currently

    Current Capris:
    1981 Capri Roller
    1981 Capri Black Magic Roller Basket Case
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    1984 Capri RS T-top Roller
    1983-84 Gloy Racing Trans Am/IMSA Body Parts

  3. #3

    Default

    why not just drill n 1/8" hole at the top of the thermostat.
    I test every thermostat I buy in boiling water before installation as a precaution.
    I usually buy the Mr. Gasket brand

  4. #4

    Default

    I've had the exact same experience!

    Put a mr. Gasket in. Lasted 3 seasons.....

    Then I bought a premium Prestone brand. Car warms up faster than with the mr. Gasket and my gauge no longer fluctuates either.

  5. #5
    FEP Super Member erratic50's Avatar
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    Default

    have had nothing but problems with "normal" duralast thermostats also. They work right for about a month then start sticking before they open all the way and the engine starts running hotter than it should.

    Do yourself a favor -- buy Motorcraft!

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