Mr Gasket Thermostat

Revive Your Engine’s Performance with the Right Replacement Thermostat

If you’re looking to upgrade or replace the thermostat in your vehicle, the Mr Gasket brand should definitely be on your radar. Mr Gasket has been producing high-quality thermostats and engine parts for over 50 years. Their thermostats are known for their durability, accuracy, and ability to optimize engine operating temperatures.

But with so many options to choose from, how do you know which Mr Gasket thermostat is right for your make and model? This comprehensive buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know to select the perfect thermostat for your engine.

We’ll cover proper installation, key features, vehicle compatibility, and tips for choosing the right temperature range. You’ll also find recommendations for the best places to buy Mr Gasket thermostats online and locally. Let’s dive in!

Installing a Mr Gasket Thermostat

Putting in a new Mr Gasket thermostat is a relatively straightforward process, though the specific steps can vary between vehicle makes and models. Here are some general guidelines for installation:

• Allow the engine to fully cool before attempting to remove the old thermostat or make any adjustments.
• Locate the thermostat housing, which is typically near the upper radiator hose. You may need to remove hoses or other components to access it.
• Drain some coolant from the system so you don’t make a mess when removing the housing cover.
• Remove the old thermostat and clean the housing if there is any buildup. Make sure the new gasket surface is smooth.
• Check that the new Mr Gasket thermostat flows in the proper direction. There is often an arrow indicating which way it should be positioned.
• Insert the new thermostat and replace the housing cover and gasket. Tighten all fasteners to the proper torque specifications.
• Slowly refill the coolant system, double checking for leaks.
• Allow the engine to warm up and verify that the new thermostat opens and closes as expected.

As long as you take your time and refer to the factory service manual for your specific vehicle, swapping in a new Mr Gasket thermostat should go smoothly. Proper installation is key to ensuring optimal performance.

Key Features of Mr Gasket Thermostats

Mr Gasket designs their thermostats with several important features to provide accurate temperature control and durability:

• Precise temperature calibration – Each thermostat has tuned thermally responsive elements to open and close at the stated temperature rating. This ensures efficient engine warm up times and prevents overheating.
• Quality materials – Constructed using high nickel alloy metals and stainless steel components. This allows them to withstand high temperatures and system pressures over years of use.
• Silicone rubber sealing – The sealing element is made from a durable silicone rubber compound. It creates a tight seal to prevent coolant leaks and ensure proper flow.
• Vibration resistance – The inner workings are designed to resist damage from engine vibrations and harmonic distortions. This prevents premature failure.
• Backflow prevention – When closed, Mr Gasket thermostats use a check ball system to prevent coolant backflow and ensure one-direction circulation.
• High flow rate – Optimized internal port sizes allow a high volume of coolant flow when open. This efficiently regulates operating temperature.

These thoughtful engineering features allow Mr Gasket thermostats to outperform many stock OEM units and provide exceptional accuracy and longevity.

Vehicle Compatibility for Mr Gasket Thermostats

One of the top advantages of the Mr Gasket brand is their broad vehicle compatability. They offer direct-fit thermostat replacements for most American and foreign cars, trucks, SUVs, and performance vehicles manufactured from the 1960s onwards.

Some of the makes and models that Mr Gasket thermostats are commonly used in include:

• Ford Mustang, F-150, Crown Victoria
• Chevy Silverado, Impala, Camaro
• Dodge Ram, Charger, Challenger
• Jeep Wrangler, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee
• Toyota Tacoma, Tundra, 4Runner
• Honda Civic, Accord, CR-V
• Nissan Altima, Maxima, Sentra
• BMW 3-Series, 5-Series, 7-Series
• Mercedes C-Class, E-Class, S-Class

With so many options, you can surely find the right direct fit Mr Gasket thermostat for your vehicle. They also offer universal fit models if you can’t find a specific replacement.

Improving Engine Performance

One of the biggest benefits of installing a new Mr Gasket thermostat is optimized engine temperature control. Here are some of the key ways it can improve performance:

• Quicker warm ups – The properly calibrated thermostat will allow coolant to circulate at the ideal rate, bringing the engine up to operating temperature faster. No more waiting for the engine to heat up!
• Consistent operating temperature – Accurate air/fuel mixtures and efficient combustion depend on the engine running at its preset optimal temp. The thermostat maintains this steady temperature.
• Prevents overheating – A worn out thermostat may get stuck closed or open. The Mr Gasket unit will open and close reliably to regulate temp. This prevents damaging overheating.
• Maximizes horsepower – Running at the optimal temperature ensures the engine is operating at peak efficiency to deliver maximum horsepower and torque output.
• Increases fuel economy – Keeping the engine at the ideal temp improves combustion efficiency. This means better gas mileage and reduced fuel costs.
• Longer engine life – Steady and moderate operating temperatures reduce strain on engine components. This extends the service life of the engine.

Overall, a properly functioning Mr Gasket thermostat is one of the best and most cost-effective ways to get more power, responsiveness, and mileage out of your engine.

Where to Buy a Mr Gasket Thermostat

Mr Gasket brand thermostats are sold through auto parts stores, retailers, and specialty performance shops in the United States and worldwide. Here are some of the best places to find them:

• AutoZone – National auto parts chain that stocks the full line of Mr Gasket thermostats. Can purchase online for in-store pickup.
• O’Reilly Auto Parts – Another large retailer carrying Mr Gasket thermostats for most vehicle makes and models.
• NAPA Auto Parts – Wide selection of Mr Gasket temperature control products available at NAPA stores and online.
• Summit Racing – Leading performance parts retailer with affordable pricing on Mr Gasket thermostats.
• Jegs – High performance retailer selling the Mr Gasket brand. Offers quick shipping.
• Amazon – All types of Mr Gasket thermostats available at competitive pricing with Prime delivery.
• eBay – New and used OEM and aftermarket Mr Gasket thermostats can be found on eBay stores.

Be sure to have your vehicle’s year, make, model, and engine details handy when shopping to match the right replacement thermostat. Buying the proper direct fit part is crucial for hassle-free installation.

Choosing the Best Temperature Range

Mr Gasket thermostats are available with different temperature opening ranges. The most common are:

• 180 degrees F – This is a standard range suitable for most stock 4 and 6 cylinder engines. Allows the engine to warm up efficiently.
• 195 degrees F – The optimum range for many 8 cylinder performance applications. Helps higher output engines run cooler.
• 160-170 degrees F – Lower opening temperatures for turbocharged or supercharged engines. Prevents detonation issues.
• 200-210 degrees F – Used in select race, diesel, or towing applications to withstand very high temperatures.

Ideally you’ll want to match the new thermostat temperature range to what your vehicle manufacturer originally specified. Lowering it too much can impede warm up, while too high can lead to overheating.

When in doubt, the 180 degree F thermostat is usually the best bet for most drivers looking to replace a worn out unit. It balances proper warmup and cooling for standard road use.

How Often to Replace a Mr Gasket Thermostat

With their durable construction, Mr Gasket brand thermostats will typically last many years or tens of thousands of miles in most applications. Here are some signs it may be time for a new one:

• Engine running hotter than normal – Consistently higher operating temps indicate a stuck closed or leaking thermostat. Time to replace it.
• Coolant leaks – External leaks around the thermostat housing are a clue that the sealing element has deteriorated. Renew it to stop leaks.
• Slow warm ups – If your engine takes progressively longer to reach optimal operating temp, the thermostat may be stuck open.
• Milky oil – This can signify a blown head gasket from overheating, often due to thermostat failure. Replace immediately.
• Routine maintenance – Many mechanics advise replacing the thermostat every 60k miles or 5 years as preventative maintenance.

The thermostat is a wear item that will eventually fail, so periodic replacement along with other tune-up parts is wise to avoid being left stranded with an overheated engine.

Materials Used in Mr Gasket Thermostats

Mr Gasket uses very high quality materials in their thermostats to achieve precision temperature control and durability:

• Alloy metals – The thermostat valve and internals use specialty nickel/chrome alloys to resist corrosion and fatigue.
• Stainless steel – The spring elements and ball check valve feature stainless steel to maintain tension and prevent rusting.
• Copper – Copper components provide excellent heat transfer properties to quickly sense coolant temperature changes.
• Silicone rubber – The outer sealing element uses advanced silicone compounds that resist swelling and degredation from coolant exposure.
• Viton – High performance Viton rubber is used in the seal/gaskets on some models to handle extreme temperatures.
• Brass – Brass fittings and inserts prevent galling and electrolytic corrosion within the cooling system.

These heavy duty materials come together to form a robust thermostat designed for years of flawless temperature control under demanding conditions.

Troubleshooting Mr Gasket Thermostats

On the rare occasion a newly installed Mr Gasket thermostat does not remedy an engine overheating or temperature control problem, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Check for proper installation – Confirm the thermostat is flowing in the right direction and fully secured in the housing. Leaks can impair its function.
• Inspect for obstructions – Make sure there are no hoses kinked, debris blocking ports, or air trapped in the cooling system. Fluid must flow freely.
• Replace the radiator cap – A faulty cap can result in low system pressure and uneven coolant flow. Use a new OEM spec cap.
• Flush contaminants – Over time, scale and rust builds up inside the cooling system. Flush the system thoroughly to remove any obstructions.
• Upgrade the water pump – If the existing water pump is worn out, it may not be circulating coolant fast enough for the new thermostat.
• Check fan operation – Electric cooling fans must activate properly to complement the thermostat’s operation. Test fan function and wiring.

Taking the time to verify proper installation and that the rest of the cooling system is up to par will help the new Mr Gasket thermostat operate as designed.

Reviews of Mr Gasket Thermostats

Mr Gasket brand thermostats are very highly regarded based on countless real world reviews from auto enthusiasts and professional mechanics. Here’s a sample of the positive feedback:

• “I put a Mr Gasket 195 degree t-stat in my Mustang GT and it holds the engine temp rock steady even when driven hard. Highly recommended upgrade!”
• “These thermostats fit and operate perfectly. I never have to worry about my Chevy overheating, even sitting in traffic or towing.”
• “Mr Gasket has been making quality parts longer than any other brand. Their 180 degree thermostat fixed my old BMW right up.”
• “I only use Mr Gasket thermostats now – great prices and temperature control. Don’t bother with cheap no-name brands that fail.”
• “Love the durability and longevity you get with Mr Gasket. I replaced the one in my truck 5 years ago and it’s still going strong.”

It’s clear from satisfied customers that Mr Gasket lives up to their reputation for dependable, OEM-quality thermostats. The accuracy and longevity make them a wise investment.

How Mr Gasket Compares to Other Brands

While there are other reputable brands that make replacement thermostats, Mr Gasket stands out against competitors like Fel-Pro, Stant, and Motorad in a few key ways:

• Broader vehicle compatibility – With hundreds of direct-fit part numbers, Mr Gasket has thermostats for virtually every make and model.
• Superior high temp materials – Many competitors use cheaper plastics and rubber that degrade. Mr Gasket uses silicone, stainless steel, and alloys.
• Better temperature accuracy – Thanks to closely calibrated internals, Mr Gasket units consistently open and close within a couple degrees of stated temps.
• Higher flow capacity – Larger ports and optimized designs allow outstanding coolant flow. This provides excellent temperature regulation.
• Longer warranty coverage – Most Mr Gasket thermostats have at least a 2 year warranty, compared to just 90 days or 1 year from other manufacturers.

While you can’t really go wrong with big brands like Fel-Pro and Stant, choosing Mr Gasket ensures you’re getting the very best materials, design, and warranty protection.

Mr Gasket Thermostat Warranty Details

One great benefit of Mr Gasket thermostats is that they are backed by strong warranty protection against defects and failures. Here are the key details:

• Limited lifetime warranty – Most models are covered for the life of the original vehicle they are installed in.
• Defects and workmanship covered – The warranty covers any failures due to manufacturing defects or improper materials/construction.
• 2 year warranty – Some models have a 2 year warranty from date of purchase instead of lifetime. Still well above average.
• Return to retailer – You simply need to return the faulty thermostat to the place of purchase for a free replacement under warranty.
• Proof of purchase – Be sure to keep your receipt or invoice to provide proof that the thermostat is still under warranty.
• Labor not included – The warranty covers the parts only, not any vehicle labor costs associated with removing and replacing them.

The excellent warranty protection provides great peace of mind. Mr Gasket clearly stands behind their products for years down the road.

Using in High-Performance Engines

Mr Gasket thermostats are an ideal upgrade for high-performance applications like hot rods, muscle cars, track cars, or any engine build where horsepower is increased. Here’s why they excel in these uses:

• Can handle higher temperatures in turbocharged, supercharged, and high compression engines.
• Maintain precise temperature regulation during hard acceleration, high RPM, and heavy loads to prevent detonation.
• High flow capacity keeps coolant moving through high output engines. Prevents hot spots and overheating.
• Stainless steel and alloy internals are extremely durable to withstand the stresses of performance use.
• Offers thermostats calibrated specifically for racing like the 160 degree F models.
• Fit a wide range of performance makes like older muscle cars, Jaguars, BMWs, Nissans, and of course American classics.

No matter what vehicle you’re modifying for more power, a Mr Gasket high flow thermostat is a great supporting upgrade that will optimize operating temperatures.

Signs of a Faulty Mr Gasket Thermostat

Despite their proven reliability, here are a few signs that your Mr Gasket thermostat may be malfunctioning and in need of replacement:

• Engine takes much longer than normal to warm up
• Temperature gauge reads below normal operating range
• Vehicle easily overheats, especially under load
• Coolant leaks around the thermostat housing
• Milky oil indicating blown head gasket from overheating
• Stuck thermostat that is partially open or closed
• Fatigued internal spring that no longer regulates properly
• Ruined silicone gasket that doesn’t seal the housing

Catching a bad thermostat early before catastrophic overheating occurs is important. If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t delay getting a new Mr Gasket unit installed.

The Benefits of Using a Mr Gasket Thermostat

To recap, here are the major benefits you’ll gain by using a Mr Gasket brand thermostat in your car or truck:

• Optimized engine operating temperature
• Quick and efficient warm ups
• Preventing costly overheating damage
• Maximizing horsepower and fuel economy
• OEM-quality fit and performance
• Precision temperature calibration
• Heavy duty stainless, alloy, and silicone materials
• High coolant flow capacity rating
• Broad vehicle compatibility for easy fitment
• Excellent warranty coverage for peace of mind
• Proven performance even in demanding conditions

With all these advantages, it’s easy to see why Mr Gasket is trusted by professional racers and backyard mechanics alike. Their thermostats get the job done right.

Will a Mr Gasket Thermostat Fit Your Engine?

Mr Gasket offers direct fit thermostats engineered specifically for a wide range of engine types. Here are some of the most common applications:

• Chevy small block V8 – The iconic Chevy SBC V8 has powered millions of GM vehicles. Choose from 180, 195 degree thermostats.
• Ford Modular V8 – Used in Mustangs, Crown Vics, trucks. Perfect upgrade for 4.6L and 5.4L Mod motors.
• Chrysler Hemi – The modern Hemi in Chargers, Challengers, Rams, and more benefits from a performance Mr Gasket t-stat.
• LS Series V8 – The LS1 and LS-based Gen III/IV small blocks are easy to upgrade with a Mr Gasket replacement.
• BMW Inline 6 – All BMW I6 motors from the classic M30 to modern N52 get better thermal control with Mr Gasket.
• Honda B-Series – The popular B16, B18, and B20 Honda engines gain more HP and efficiency.
• VW Air Cooled – Even air cooled classics like VW Bugs and Buses run cooler with Mr Gasket’s innovative thermostat designs.

They truly cover most common import and domestic applications. But if your vehicle engine isn’t listed, there are also universal fit options available.

Maintaining Your Mr Gasket Thermostat

Mr Gasket thermostats are built to last, but here are a few tips to ensure yours provides years of trouble-free operation:

• Periodically check coolant – Top up low coolant that could impair thermostat function and cause overheating. Use the recommended 50/50 antifreeze mix.
• Change coolant on schedule – Drain and refresh the coolant every 3-5 years to flush out contaminants and prevent corrosion.
• Check connections – Inspect thermostat housing fasteners and coolant hoses for leaks that could affect water flow. Re-torque bolts as needed.
• Verify coolant flow – After installing, run and warmup engine to ensure the thermostat opens and coolant flows properly through the radiator.
• Avoid engine flushes – Aggressive chemical flushes can damage thermostat seals and internals over time. Follow the maintenance in your owner’s manual.
• Watch for leaks – External coolant leaks around the thermostat housing mean it’s time to replace the gasket or the entire unit if deteriorated.

With minimal routine care, your Mr Gasket thermostat should deliver years and miles of solid temperature control.

Different Mr Gasket Thermostat Models

While all Mr Gasket thermostats provide precise calibration and quality components, they offer different models for various applications:

• Fail-safe – Contains an internal secondary spring to open if the main spring fails. Prevents deadheading.
• High-flow – Optimized internals allow increased flow rates. Ideal for high HP builds.
• Low temperature – Choices like 160F models for turbo engines and racing applications.
• Coolant control – Regulates flow on engine warmup to help some vehicles avoid vapor lock issues.
• Heavy duty – Their most durable models use higher grade materials for extreme conditions.
• Stamped brass bodies – OE style thermostats with brass bodies and chamfered seats for a tight seal.
• Reinforced covers – Some feature fortified covers to prevent flex damage to the thermostatic elements inside.

With direct fit, universal, and adjustable models, Mr Gasket really does offer a solution for every vehicle and build.

What Does a Mr Gasket Thermostat Cost?

Mr Gasket thermostats are very competitively priced, typically ranging from $10 – $25 depending on the specific model. Here are some example prices:

• Fail-Safe Thermostat – $12
  Standard reliable fit for most applications
• 180 Degree High Flow – $16
  Ideal for stock replacement with added flow capacity
• Adjustable Thermostat – $21
  Lets you fine tune the temperature rating
• 195 Degree Low Temp – $24
  Performance model for turbocharged engines
• Heavy Duty Thermostat – $25
  Their most durable construction for extreme conditions

There are cheaper no-name thermostats available, but the proven quality and engineering of Mr Gasket makes their thermostats well worth a few extra dollars. You get what you pay for when choosing the right replacement part.

Choosing the Right Mr Gasket Thermostat

Here are a few key steps to ensure you select the optimal Mr Gasket thermostat for your vehicle and engine:

• Lookup OE part number – Find the factory thermostat part number in your repair manual or online guides.
• Match the temperature range – Stick with the same temp rating as the OE (usually 180-195F).
• Pick direct fit model – Match mounting style and dimensions to your thermostat housing.
• Consider temperature needs – Lower temp rating if running forced induction. Higher for towing or HD use.
• Assess coolant flow needs – Older or high mileage engines may benefit from a high flow model.
• Check reliability features – Models with fail-safe springs or reinforced covers add protection.

Take the time to identify the proper replacement, and you’ll have a thermostat customized to your engine’s needs that installs without a hitch.

Conclusion

From construction to fitment to operation, Mr Gasket thermostats represent the gold standard in the automotive industry. Their innovative engineering, durable materials, and precise temperature control can optimize the performance of virtually any engine and resolve common issues like overheating.

Hopefully this comprehensive buying guide has given you all the details you need to pick the perfect Mr Gasket thermostat for your vehicle. Don’t settle for a cheap, inaccurate thermostat that could fail at the worst moment. Treat your engine to the best – you won’t regret upgrading to a Mr Gasket thermostat.