How to Remove a Car Thermostat Housing

The thermostat housing is the plastic covering that protects the thermostat. The thermostat is part of the automobile cooling system. It lets the driver know when the car is overheating and what the optimum running temperature of the car is. Damaged or cracked thermostat housings need to be removed, or if the thermostat needs replacing the housing must come off first.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Drain the cooling system before removing the thermostat housing or thermostat. Use a bucket to keep coolant from spilling on the ground.

2. Remove the plastic fan between the radiator and the engine. Do this by removing the belt first and then unscrewing the fan.

3. Pull off the two hoses that attach to the thermostat housing by unscrewing the metal rings attaching the hose to the housing. Set the screws aside and pop off the hoses.

4. Loosen the 13 mm bolt above the housing, but don't remove it.

5. Unscrew the 4 bolts that connect the housing to the engine block. Use a ratchet screwdriver for easy removal.

6. Lightly tap the thermostat housing to release the seal if it doesn't fall off on its own. Most housings just need a little pressure to make them release.

7. Keep the bolts and the housing together to make reattaching the parts easier.

Tips & Warnings

• No matter how long you let the coolant drain from the cooling system, you'll still have a little drainage when the housing and thermostat pop off. This is normal. Just be sure to keep a bucket underneath the car to prevent spillage on the driveway or garage floor.