Things You'll Need:
- Wrenches and sockets
- Torque wrench
- Thermostat and gasket
- Gasket scraper
- Antifreeze
- Screwdriver
- Sealant
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Step 1
Follow the upper radiator hose to where it meets the thermostat housing. The thermostat housing is where the opposite end of the upper radiator hose mounts to the engine.
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Step 2
Drain enough coolant from radiator until it is below thermostat. Failure to do this will result in your antifreeze leaking out onto the ground.
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Step 3
Loosen clamp and remove radiator hose from thermostat housing. Some antifreeze will leak out, so have some rags available.
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Step 4
Remove the bolts holding the thermostat housing on and pull the housing from the engine. The gasket might make it a little difficult, so do not be afraid to pull hard. Do not strike it with any tools as you can crack it.
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Step 5
Remove the old thermostat and note its alignment.
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Step 6
Place a rag in the thermostat’s mounting hole so no gasket material can enter the engine and then scrape the gasket from the housing and the engine.
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Step 7
Install the new thermostat in same position as old one.
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Step 8
Apply a sealant to the thermostat housing, the part you removed and the gasket.
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Step 9
Reinstall the housing and tighten down bolts snugly. Torque them with your torque wrench or tighten them down if you do not have a torque wrench. Make sure you do not over-tighten them.
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Step 10
Reinstall the radiator hose to the thermostat housing and tighten the clamp.
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Step 11
Refill the radiator with coolant and start the engine, allowing it to reach normal operating temperature.
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Step 12
Check for any leaks at hose connection and thermostat housing. You can tighten them as necessary to stop any leaks.
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Step 13
Stop the engine and allow it to cool down completely, then check the coolant level. Add coolant as required.
