Things You'll Need:
- 3/8 drive socket set w/ standard & metric
- screwdrivers
- drainpan
- antifreeze
- thermostat
- gasket
- bypass hose
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Step 1
Make sure engine is cold- Find the thermostat by locating the upper radiator hose and tracing it back to the engine. The thermostat will be where the hose and thermostat housing attach to the engine cylinder head.
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Step 2
Place a drain pan underneath the engine below the thermostat housing. Loosen clamp that holds the radiator hose to the housing and pull the hose from the housing- note: the antifreeze will leak out. Some cars will have a small hose called a bypass hose that sometimes needs to be removed. Disconnect the bypass hose from the thermostat housing by loosening the hose clamp.
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Step 3
Loosen the bolts that attach the thermostat housing to the engine cylinder head using the proper size socket
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Step 4
Clean any residue from the housing and cylinder head and install new gasket to housing. I like to use "high tack" adhesive to hold the gasket on. It is available at any auto parts store.
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Step 5
Insert the new thermostat into the head, with the spring facing inside and the "point" facing out toward the radiator.
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Step 6
Carefully align the housing on the head and tighten the bolts attaching the thermostat housing to the engine cylinder head. Do not over tighten- go until snug and then a bit more.
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Step 7
Discard any worn hose clamps and replace with new. Attach the bypass and radiator hoses.
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Step 8
Fill the coolant tank to "full cold" with antifreeze. Check all connections and make sure all tools are away from the engine.
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Step 9
Start the engine and turn the AC on with the temp on hot. Check the engine for leaks. If there are any, turn off the engine & check for loose bolts or clamps. Make sure the heater works after a few minutes. Also watch the temperature gauge. It should rise til it gets to about 210-220 degrees or halfway between hot and cold and then stabilize. You will probably hear the electric radiator fan kick on and may hear the thermostat pop open. Check the engine and under car for leaks and refill the coolant tank if it needs to be topped off and you should be good to go. It's a good idea to check the engine coolant tank level at every fill up.
