Thermostat Question

[7oxSin]

so, i got my baby back up and running and it started overheating bad, so i pop the thermostat off while it was still hot and it was completely shut so i put some holes in it and now im in the market for a new thermostat. i went to the dealer and they want 45$ for one so i decided to check em out online. i have found them for 35ish. I found one for 28$ shipped but there is a small problem, the sub-part numbers are different. so i know the right number is 49054-1058, the cheaper one i found is 49054-2056 and looks to be the same dimensions. so anyone out there try out the 49054-2056?

[InvisiBill]

If you have a friendly auto parts store that will let you peruse their selection, take a look there. The EX500 folks found a standard auto model that was a direct replacement for the 49054-1059 - less than $10 and available on every corner. http://www.ex-500.com/wiki/index.php...=Non-OEM_Parts The only difference was that some of the auto models didn't have the bypass hole. That's the only flow in the cooling system when the thermostat is closed, so make sure it has one, or add it yourself.

I think most of Kaw's thermostats are going to be 49054-####, so I wouldn't base swapping parts just on the first half. The alternate part number you posted is for the Mule. I know nothing about that engine, but it seems like it could be quite different from the 250's. Looking at the parts diagram, it looks like it might be mounted right on the engine rather than in a remote housing, so the temperature could be quite different. At least the 500's part number is only 1 off the 250's and the bikes are fairly similar, if you want to try random alternate parts.