Auto Zone thermostat - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MVK · #1 01-18-2003, 05:40 PM

Hi folks:
I am going to replace my failed OEM thermostat with a new Auto zone thermostat. Does anyone have the Autozone part number for this one? All I know is its a 80C Autozone and made by Wahler. I called the local Autozone and they said they have OEM type Autozone brand thermostat but nothing on it says Wahler and its 180F rated? Is this the same thing?

Thanks

Stevo · #2 01-18-2003, 06:15 PM

I use Autozone T stats and they have worked well for my 240Ds.

MVK · #3 01-18-2003, 07:20 PM

Thanks Steveo but whats the part number for Autozone
MVk

Stevo · #4 01-18-2003, 08:56 PM

MVK

Sorry, dont have the part # ,I just went to their web site, autozone.com, I went to buy a T stat at the local auto parts store and they wanted almost $40.00 and it was made in China, now maybe Chinese T stats are OK but I think for half the $ I will stick with German made.

jbaj007 · #5 01-18-2003, 09:16 PM

autozone # 910-180. This is ~ 82C. Why not just get the real deal from FastLane above.

#6 01-18-2003, 10:39 PM

I would have to agree with jbaj007, get the real deal from Fastlane. The real deal should be no more than $15...

MVK · #7 01-18-2003, 10:56 PM

Thanks guys for the info and part #. Well I dont mind the real deal at all but the problem is I have heard a lot of horror stories with the real ones Behrs or OEM from MB dealers about premature failings. and almost all those folks had to resort to Auto zone's wahler made t-stat.

Thanks for all the info and suggestions.

MVK

Lycoming-8 · #8 01-18-2003, 11:08 PM

MVK, don't forget to get the rubber gasket with the funny little eyelet. The Auto Zone Wahler t-stat I bought did not have it in the package. Mine has been in car about 3mos and working fine, should still be there 30more at least.

#9 01-18-2003, 11:26 PM

The OE thermostat that failed in my car was made by Wahler, It had to have been in the car for more than 5 years. I would give you the part number for it, but I think I through it out a few weeks ago.

Holson Adi · #10 01-18-2003, 11:47 PM

The one that I bought from the MB dealer (Wahler - Made in Germany) *it says on the T-stat* has no part numbers but at the back it says 80* 09 01
whatever the 09 01 means.

This one didn't open until the water temp reaches 98*C. In summer it's perfectly fine. In fall/winter the water temp was in the 98* C range and never seemed to open unless I drive the car hard. When I drive it nice and slow in the city the temperature would rise back to 98-100C

The Autozone one solved this problem (also a Wahler T-Stat - Made in Germany too)

I just reused the gasket that came with the Dealer's T-Stat and never bothered to return the dealer t-stat.

I just went to Autozone and I told them what car I have and they gave me a T-Stat. I think I paid around $40 or less (it was really cheap though)

#11 01-19-2003, 12:15 AM

The Wahler I put back into my car was $8 at my local parts store, and my spare I bought at another parts store was $12, it is also a Wahler.

MBJOE · #12 01-19-2003, 02:38 PM

Well my thermostat went out in my 240D today. I just installed a Autozone one in it. The part number was 910-180 and it is handing on their racks. It has made in Germany stamped on it and now I have some good heat inside. It cost $ 14.99 plus tax.

MBJOE

MVK · #13 01-19-2003, 05:51 PM

Thanks Guys:
I got the Auto zone thermostat today. Its made by Wahler made in Germany, packed in Mexico Part # 910-180 on the back its stamped 80C. Tested few times before I put it in. It tests ok and opens at about 82C and closes at about 79C pretty nice. Tested a few times and each time within same value range. I will put it in one of these days when its a little less cold. I will then let you know how the car behaves after the replacement.
It cost me 14.99 + tax

MVk

#14 01-20-2003, 01:43 PM

What ever thermostat you use make sure that you soak the small bolts real good with liquid wrench. I broke one off when I changed my last thermostat and what a pain in the neck. HORRIBLE.

I had to drill it out.

Good luck

bob

PS If you are going to follow the advice and drill a hole in the thermo to vent it drill a very small one as it effects the operating temp. Not such a big deal if you live in Florida but a very big deal if you need heat like I do in Chicago

MVK · #15 01-20-2003, 09:47 PM

Thanks Bob for the advice.

Well finally changed the t-stat and replaced with the Auto zone wahler. The old one was stuck open and broken. I posted few photos of it under a new post.

I had soaked the 3 thermostat housing bolts with penzoil penitrating oil about 3 times on all 3 thermostat housing bolts in 24 hours. This made sure they became easy to remove. Warmed the car a little bit, then shut her off. Removed some( almost all actually) antifreeze from bottom and collected in clean bucket for reuse. Opened all three bolts with ease. Wiggled the housing a bit. No need to remove the bottom hose to thermostat housing clamp. Note the position of old thermostat in housing. Gasket on old one looked good. So reused the same gasket. Replaced with new thermostat and placed it exactly the same way as the old one was. Replaced the 3 bolts with new one and also put some antiseize paste on each of them. Tightened to slightly more than specified torque.( Cose I am reusing the old gasket).

Make sure radiator plug is closed, then pour in the saved antifreeze slowly until the antifreeze tank is full. Then start the engine and turn on the heat to full. Keep refilling with the antifreeze until all you removed is used up. Check the level after 1-2 days again and then again every few days and add more antifreeze if needed.

MVK