Motorad 7444-180 Engine Coolant Thermostat

Motorad Fail-Safe Thermostat 7444-180

Motorad Fail-Safe 7444-180 is an engine coolant thermostat built for OE-style cooling system control in select Suzuki, Chevrolet, and Vitara applications. It uses a 180°F temperature rating, a copper case, and a wax compound for quick reaction to coolant temperature changes.

This thermostat is part of Motorad’s Fail-Safe line, which is engineered with a lock-in open position design for overheating events. That approach helps maintain continuous coolant flow when the engine reaches an abnormal temperature condition, making it a practical choice for Grand Vitara, XL-7, Tracker, and Vitara service work.

Key Features

• 180°F thermostat temperature rating for OE-specified cooling control
• Copper case and wax compound for responsive temperature regulation
• Fail-Safe design with lock-in open position behavior during overheating
• Jiggle pin weep hole included for air relief
• Offset design with OEM-style seals where applicable
• Sealing flange outside diameter: 2.05 in
• Bypass diameter: 1.09 in
• Bypass length: 1.53 in
• Flange thickness: 0.05 in

Detailed Description

Motorad 7444-180 is an OE-specification engine coolant thermostat manufactured to OEM quality materials and safety standards by an OE supplier. The Fail-Safe line is built for demanding automotive cooling systems and uses OEM manufacturing processes to support consistent temperature control. The 180-degree calibration is appropriate for applications that call for factory-style coolant regulation, including 1999-2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara, 2002-2006 Suzuki XL-7, 2001-2004 Chevrolet Tracker, and 2004 Suzuki Vitara.

This part cross-references 74448 and P7444-180 for the same application.

What It Helps Address

• Engine running hotter than normal due to thermostat sticking
• Delayed coolant circulation after warm-up
• Temperature instability in the cooling system
• Overheating events where a fail-safe open position is needed
• Service replacement for OE-specified 180°F thermostat applications

Installation Notes and Tips

• Verify the engine application and thermostat temperature rating before installation.
• Inspect the housing, sealing surfaces, and coolant condition during service.
• Use the jiggle pin weep hole orientation recommended by the vehicle service procedure to help purge trapped air.
• Replace coolant and bleed the system according to factory service instructions after installation.
• Confirm bypass dimensions and flange measurements match the original part before assembly.

Quality Assurance

Motorad manufactures this thermostat with OEM-quality materials and OE-supplier production standards. The Fail-Safe design, copper case, wax compound, and OEM-style sealing approach reflect factory-style engineering for select Suzuki and Chevrolet cooling systems.