Automobile Thermostat Installation Instructions

Every automobiles cooling system features a thermostat. The thermostat monitors the temperature of the radiator fluid, and opens when the fluid reaches a certain temperature to allow the fluid to enter and cool the engine. When the fluid falls below that temperature, the thermostat closes. A defective thermostat is usually associated with an engine that quickly overheats or takes an unusually long time to warm. Although a defective thermostat cannot be repaired, it is fairly easy to replace.

Instructions

1

Twist the radiator cap off of the radiator.

2

Loosen the single bolt at the base of the radiator with a wrench until radiator fluid begins to flow out of the center of the bolt. Tighten the bolt into the radiator once the fluid level inside the radiator falls below the upper radiator hose. Peer through the opening left by the radiator cap to monitor the fluid level.

3

Locate the thermostat housing by tracing the upper radiator hose from the radiator to the engine. The hose attaches to the thermostat housing.

4

Loosen the clamp that secures the radiator hose to the thermostat housing with either a nut driver or a screwdriver, then pull the radiator hose off of the housing.

5

Remove the bolts that hold the thermostat housing to the engine with a wrench, then lift the housing off of the engine to expose the engines thermostat.

6

Lift the thermostat out of the engine.

7

Wipe down the underside of the thermostat housing, as well as the surface of the engine the housing attaches to, with engine degreaser. Allow the surfaces to dry.

8

Insert the new thermostat into the engine with the thermostats spring facing the engine.

9

Apply silicon gasket sealant to each side of a new thermostat gasket, then position the new gasket over the thermostat.

10

Place the thermostat housing onto the thermostat gasket. Tighten the housings bolts with a wrench.

11

Press the radiator hose onto the thermostat housing, then tighten the hose clamp with either a nut driver or a screwdriver.

12

Replenish the radiator with fluid by pouring new radiator fluid into the radiator through the radiator cap opening. Twist the cap onto the radiator.