How to Install a Thermostat in a Mustang
The thermostat on your Ford Mustang controls the car's temperature by opening and closing to allow coolant to flow. You need to install a new thermostat in the engine if the old one ever gets stuck in either a closed or open position; it can't operate the cooling system properly when this happens. In order to install a thermostat, you must first remove the old one from the car.
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Instructions
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1
Disconnect the cable from the car battery's negative terminal; this will be the black one. Drain the engine coolant into a container by removing the drain plug at the radiator and then the engine block. Inspect the coolant to see if it's clean enough to reuse.
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2
Remove the air duct that connects the air cleaner housing to the throttle body. Disconnect the fresh air inlet hose from the duct at its quick-connect fitting. Loosen the hose clamp to remove the duct from the throttle body, then do the same at the air filter housing.
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3
Locate the thermostat housing. On V6 engines, follow the path of the upper radiator hose, then disconnect the hose from the housing by loosening its hose clamp. On V8 engines, the housing is in front of the power steering pump, in between the cooling fan and engine.
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4
Remove the housing cover by removing its fasteners. You might need to tap the cover to dislodge it--and watch out for spilling coolant. Remove the thermostat from the housing, taking note of the position it's installed in.
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5
Install the new thermostat into the housing cover in the same position the old one was in. Use a new O-ring, lubricating it with fresh coolant. On V6 engines, install the O-ring after placing the thermostat in the housing. On V8 engines, do it before.
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6
Reconnect the housing cover and reconnect all parts like the radiator hose and the air duct. Refill the cooling system--use fresh coolant if the old stuff is contaminated in any way--and reconnect the battery cable.
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7
Start the Mustang's engine and let it reach its normal operating temperature. Check for any leaks around the thermostat and make sure the thermostat is operating properly. The upper radiator hose must feel hot.
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Tips & Warnings
If the radiator hose is old and deteriorated, especially to the point where it won't easily come off, cut it off and replace it. You also need to replace the housing cover if it is deteriorated.
