How to Change the Thermostat on a 1993 Ford Pickup

You can monitor your auto's engine temperature and thermostat by keeping an eye on the instrument-panel temperature gauge.

The thermostat in a 1993 Ford pickup is accessible from the engine compartment. Replacing the thermostat may be necessary when the truck is overheating or running hot while in use. The thermostat is responsible for keeping the engine cool by opening up when the engine temperature gets too high. When the engine temperature has cooled to the lower end of the operating temperature range, the thermostat will close. A new thermostat will help to improve engine performance as well as help to extend the life of the engine.

Things You'll Need

• Flat-head screwdriver
• Socket wrench
• Socket set
• Razor scraper
• 1 gallon premixed coolant and distilled water (50/50 mix)

Instructions

1. Open the hood of the truck to access the engine compartment. Locate the upper radiator hose.

2. Trace the radiator hose to the engine. The hose is connected to the inlet pipe of the thermostat housing. Unscrew the hose clamp with a flat-head screwdriver. Slide the hose off the inlet pipe.

3. Unbolt the two bolts on the thermostat housing. Pull the housing cover away from the engine. Clean both mating surfaces with a plastic scraper to get rid of all the gasket material.

4. Pull the thermostat out of the housing by hand. Replace with the new one. Ensure the spring end goes in first.

5. Place the new gasket on the mating surface of the housing cover. Use a light bead of RTV silicone around the surface and place the gasket over it. This will prevent the gasket from slipping off during installation.

6. Bolt the thermostat housing cover back onto the thermostat housing with a socket wrench. Slide the hose over the inlet pipe and tighten with the hose clamp.

7. Twist the radiator cap counterclockwise and pull off the radiator. Check to ensure the coolant level is visible in the neck of the radiator. Fill with coolant and distilled water if it is not full.

8. Start the truck and allow it to idle. Once the thermostat opens, the fluid level will likely decrease in the radiator. Fill the radiator with 50 percent coolant and 50 percent distilled water until it can not hold any more coolant. Close the cap on the radiator.

9. Turn the truck off. Close the hood of the truck.

Tips & Warnings

• You can purchase the thermostat and gasket together at any automotive parts store.

• Use caution working around a hot coolant system. Allow at least an hour for the engine to cool down before servicing.

• Do not allow any coolant to touch the ground. Have a drain pan under the engine while servicing the thermostat. Radiator coolant can be harmful to small animals.

References

• Automedia: Thermostat Replacement
• "Ford Pick-ups and Bronco Haynes Repair Manual covering All Ford Full-Size Pickups F-100 thru F-350 and Bronco for 1980 thru 1996"; John Haynes; 1996