Coolant Thermostat Replacement

[LKJ0404]

Hi all,
I’ve got a 2018 Honda Civic LX 2.0L, 6-speed manual, 101k miles. Recently threw a P0128 code. From what I gather, that usually means the thermostat is stuck open and the engine isn’t reaching temp.


I do most of my own work, and this looks like an easy swap while I do a coolant drain/fill. My question:

• OEM thermostat + O-ring is ~$110
• Duralast (AutoZone) is about ~$50

Is OEM worth the extra $$ here, or is aftermarket fine? And if aftermarket, is there a better brand to go with?


Thanks!

 

[D60]

Based upon the bad reputation that Motorad thermostats have on BITOG (and other forums), I have never purchased one of their thermostats. However, I recently had to grab a Duralast radiator cap from a local Autozone for a Honda because of a sudden failure of the OEM cap. The Duralast cap turned out to be a reboxed Motorad part.

It appears to fit and function correctly; however, are Motorad radiator caps OK to use?

Personally I'd moisten the seal and pressure test it before using.

Several years ago I had a NIB cap blow off well before the rating, but I don't remember the manufacturer -- I actually think it was a Motorcraft for an '01 Ranger.

 

[Arc]

If your OEM is made in Mexico/china and so is the aftermarket then there is no difference other than price.

 

[kschachn]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions and comments! I found them all super helpful. Based on the responses, I'll bite the bullet and do OEM. The cheapest online OEM retailer after shipping and taxes that I found was hondacarpartsdirect.com. Out the door for $76. I'm new to shopping OEM online, is this as good as a deal as I'll find?

What about the Tama one for $30? That is the OEM.

 

[BrendanC]

i’ve installed quite a few carquest (motorad) thermostats into vehicles and have yet to have to do the job over again so YMMV. just installed one on my 05 accord under another name from a rock auto close out deal (thermostat and housing for $5).

 

[kschachn]

i’ve installed quite a few carquest (motorad) thermostats into vehicles and have yet to have to do the job over again so YMMV. just installed one on my 05 accord under another name from a rock auto close out deal (thermostat and housing for $5).

I didn’t mention this but I saw on da internets that the Motorad one available at Advance Auto is a reboxed Tama. No clue if that’s the case though.

 

[D60]

I didn’t mention this but I saw on da internets that the Motorad one available at Advance Auto is a reboxed Tama. No clue if that’s the case though.

There was an episode of WWW where he ordered a t-stat for an Audi on a weekend from his CQ and it was a Made in Germany OEM-ish whatever brand.

I think sometimes with the "exotics" it's easier for them to just use the OEM suppliers because overall production is so low.

But obviously this cannot be relied upon.

 

[2strokeNorthstar]

Thanks! I've seen other threads saying the same thing. Here is the Honda part number I found: 19310-5A2-A02. You're right, it is $98 and comes with the O ring (don't need to buy it separately). I can save about $10 if I buy it from a Honda OEM online retailer.

Honda is losing their mind on some parts in recent years. Prices have gone crazy. Still I would not use aftermarket for a thermostat these days.