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Testing Thermostat Operation
Having found a physically suitable replacement thermostat for the original Yamaha part, it was still necessary to verify that the new thermostat would operate in the same way as the old one. Although both thermostats were rated at 180°F (82°C), it was unsubstantiated whether they would truly open at the same time, whether they would open at the same rate or whether they would produce the same flow characteristics. If the new thermostat opened more suddenly than the old one, it could cause a temperature shock situation that might conceivably damage the engine, perhaps even crack the head or block. If the new thermostat opened too slowly, it might result in serious over-heating problems in summer stop & go traffic. And, if the flow rate through the new thermostat wasn't comparable to the old thermostat, it could pose cooling problems during extended periods of extreme engine heating (like 1 hour at WOT from Stoufville to Waterdown with smouldering saddle bags  ). Each of those aspects of thermostat function had to be compared before it became conclusive that the Motorad thermostat was a suitable replacement for the original Yamaha part. To be clear, that testing has been done. I've now verified that the Motorad thermostat has virtually the same characteristics as the stock thermostat. Flow rates and trigger points are virtually identical. There is no appreciable difference from the original Maxim-X thermostat.
Pictures still to come. I'm working on it. [ »»» Sources ]
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