How to Install a Thermostat in a '94 Accord

Engine Build up can cause thermostat failure.

It’s safe to say that if you are still getting use out of your 1994 Honda Accord you’ve taken care of it over the years. Regular oil changes, tire rotations and maybe even some body restoration have kept your Accord on the road. However, if you’ve neglected the aging cooling system in your Accord you have a quiet time bomb waiting to go off called the mechanical thermostat. When engine build up causes the thermostat to stop working you will most likely find yourself shopping for a new vehicle. If you’ve noticed your engine running hotter than normal it’s time to change out that worn out thermostat.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench
• 1994 Accord thermostat
• 1994 Accord thermostat gasket
• RTV silicone gasket maker (optional)

Instructions

1. Trace the radiator hose from the radiator to the location where it is secured to the top of the engine. The metal housing that is connects to is called the thermostat intake tube and it is bolted onto the intake manifold of the Honda Accord.

2. Remove the thermostat intake tube from the intake manifold by removing the 10 millimeter bolts with a box wrench. Pull up on the hose and drain the radiator fluid back into the radiator. Push the hose and the housing off to the side to gain access to the thermostat.

3. Lift the old thermostat gasket off of the intake manifold and replace it with a new one. Thee are holes in the gasket so the bolts can pass through the gasket. the holes in the gasket should line up with the bolt holes in the intake manifold.

4. Pull the old thermostat out of the intake manifold and then place the new thermostat into place. The thermostat sits on a machined lip inside of the intake manifold. You will not be able to see the lip because it is under the fluid level inside the hole. You will need to feel out the hole to locate the lip and then set the thermostat on that lip.

5. Bolt the thermostat intake tube back onto the intake manifold of the Accord with the 10 millimeter bolts.

Tips & Warnings

• It's common to place Silicone on each side of the gasket to help promote a better seal between the thermostat intake tube and the intake manifold. However, this is optional.

• Exposure to radiator fluid is necessary to replace the thermostat. Due to this, the engine should be cool to prevent being burned by hot radiator fluid.

References

• "Honda Accord Haynes Repair Manual covering all models from 1994 thru 1997"; Haynes; 1998
• AutoMedia.com: Changing a Thermostat