How to Install a Thermostat in a Pick Up

The thermostat mounted to the engine on your pickup regulates the coolant running between the engine and the radiator. When the thermostat stops working, the engine can overheat, which can cause serious damage to the heads and engine block. Before the problem gets bad, you need to replace the thermostat with a new one. All pickups have different engines and thermostat setups, but they also have many similarities. In this case, the project vehicle is a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado half-ton pickup, but the process is similar for other models of pickup as well.

Instructions

1

Allow the engine to cool for several hours. Slide a drain pan underneath the radiator on the front end of the truck. Open the petcock on the bottom of the radiator and drain out approximately a gallon of coolant.

2

Locate the thermostat on the engine, which is where the upper radiator hose connects to the top of the engine block. Unbolt the thermostat housing from the engine using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Lift the housing off of the engine and take out the thermostat and gasket.

3

Set the replacement thermostat in the housing and install a replacement gasket. Bolt it in place using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Open the radiator cap and fill up the radiator with the 50-50 pre-diluted coolant. Reinstall the radiator cap.

4

Turn on the truck. Turn the heat controls to the highest heat, with the blower on the highest position. Let the vehicle run for 15 minutes, then turn it off and let it sit for 30 minutes, so the radiator can cool down. Open the radiator cap and top it off with the pre-diluted coolant.