Chrysler Repair: 1994 Chrysler V6 3L thermostat position, chrysler v6, temp gauge

Question
QUESTION: Hi Roland,

I repalced the thermostat on my 3L V6 in my 1994 Lebaron, however I did not pay attention to the position of the thermostat when I placed it within the housing.  Could you tell me what the correct position is, and also, what type of problem would a misaligned thermostat cause?

Thanks,

Andy

ANSWER: Hi Andy.
The air vent is supposed to be facing the front of the engine so that the thermostat spring/pellet is clear of the casting wall and is free to open. Otherwise it could be blocked from opening as the temp rises which you would notice as overheating on the temp gauge. It could alternatively not have seated well if you put it in improperly which could also cause it to leak which would keep the engine from reaching the operating temp. But if neither seems to be the case then you will alright to not open up to look.
Roland
PS:Please click on "thank/rate" where you will have an opportunity to nominate me to be volunteer of the month for December by clicking 'yes' to that question. I would appreciate that.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Roland,

Thanks for the quick reply.  The bigger issue.  My temp gauge has been erratic lately.  Usually, the heat in the car kicks in when the gauge gets 1/2 up.  Yesterday, I was driving on the interstate, and noticed no heat in the car.  The temp gauge began to quickly climb, so much so that I had to pull over and let the enginbe cool off.  I checked the radiator (the cap was cool to the touch) and the reservoir, both were full of fluid.  The upper hose was pretty warm at the time.  Finally, after a few wraps on the thermostart with the back end of a wrench, the heat came on, and the gauge dropped ... but only for a short time (enough to get home).  I changed the thermostat last night (probably in the wrong position).  Right now, no heat, and overheating on the temp gauge.  Could all of this be due to the poor thermostat position?

I did change the thermostat last year at this time, and didn't pay attention to the position then either.  The gauge has been erratic since then.

Thanks,

Andy

Answer
Hi Andy,
Yes, if the thermostat won't open then the engine will overheat and also the flow of coolant needed to provide cabin heat will be impeded until it opens. I can't guarantee that the problem is with the thermostat position but until you are sure that it is in place properly there is no way of knowing if there is anything else wrong too. Inspect it to be sure that it isn't bent by being installed improperly if you find it to be so.
Roland
PS Many thanks for the kind remarks and the nomination. You can do it again if you would like to.