How Do I Replace the Thermostat on a 2000 Volvo S40?

Volvo released the first generation of the S40 in 1995. They named it the Saloon. The first generation of the S40 stayed in production from 1995 to 2003. In 2004, Volvo released an updated version of the S40 Saloon with upgraded body styling and upgraded engine. Now that the first-generation S40 has a few years under its belt, replacing items such as the thermostat will help to add extra years to your vehicle's life.

Instructions

1

Locate the upper radiator hose and follow it to the location where the hose connects to the engine block. The hose clamps to a metal housing called the "water inlet." Loosen the band clamp that secures the hose to the water inlet with a screwdriver. Pull the hose off the inlet.

2

Locate the two bolts that secure the inlet to the engine block and remove them. Use a 12 mm socket and ratchet. Pull the water inlet off the engine block. Due to age, the inlet may stick to the block. Place pressure on the side of the inlet to break the seal, if needed.

3

Scrape the base of the engine and the bottom of the inlet to remove the old gasket material and to clean the mating surfaces.

4

Pull the old thermostat out of the engine and place the new one into the engine. One end of the thermostat has a large spring. The spring sits inside of the engine.

5

Place a bead of RTV gasket maker around the bottom edge of the water inlet. Place the water inlet over the thermostat and bolt it into place. Using RTV gasket maker instead of a gasket compensates for pitting that occurs in cast iron. It helps to promote a better seal between the engine and the inlet.

6

Slide the radiator hose onto the inlet and secure it with the band clamp.