Thermostat going nuts

[Psi]

Well, what's recently started happening, is that the car seems to not allow any coolant into the engine unless the car's getting near 140*
then it seems to let it in, cool off, then it starts heating up again.
I'm wondering if this is the thermostat in fact, or if it could be other problems (getting therm changed asap).
If more info is required, I'll tell you whatever I can.

[p8ntman442]

uhhh thats normal operation, when the temp reaches 140 in your case, it opens and cool coolant flows in and the hot flows out to be cooled. Whats the problem......... unless you hit hte high side of 215 degrees then I wouldnt worry.


Unless your in degrees C then you might want to worry.

[p8ntman442]

just went back and saw your canadian. Your thermostat might be sticking, and you should change it immediatly.

[Psi]

Yup, I am canadian ;)
and I plan to get it changed asap ... just wondering if it's possible to do on my own, or just pay crazy labour costs for it to be done.
I heard some engine has it located in a bad area (unsure if it's the 3.1 v6).

[rixGAphx]

Well, on my '96 3.1 it's a PITA to get to since you must first remove the intake and throttlebody for access.

No special tools required, except I understand that one of the two bolts is extremely difficult to access.

Either spend the time to do it yourself, or spend the money for a mechanic to do something that takes time but no special skills or equipment.