How to Change the Thermostat in a '95 Chevy Lumina

When the temperature gauge in your 1995 Chevy Lumina comes on, it means the engine is starting to overheat. The usual suspect that causes the engine to overheat is the thermostat. When this happens, it means it is time to change the thermostat or else severe engine damage can occur. Changing the thermostat is a common procedure that only takes a short amount of time and can be done in your garage or backyard, enabling you to avoid being charged a high rate by a mechanic.

Instructions

1

Trace the top radiator hose from the radiator to the location where the hose connects to the engine's thermostat housing (on the intake manifold.) Disconnect the radiator hose from the thermostat housing by removing the radiator hose-retaining clip with a pair of pliers and pull the hose off of the housing.

2

Remove the thermostat housing with a box-end wrench. Inspect the bottom of the thermostat housing. If the thermostat gasket is stuck to the bottom of the housing, pull it off and discard it. If the thermostat gasket is stuck to the intake manifold of the Lumina, pull it off and discard it.

3

Pull the old thermostat out of the intake manifold. Pay attention to which end sticks out of the engine. Place the new thermostat into place with the same end sticking out of the engine.

4

Place the new thermostat gasket on the Lumina's intake manifold and bolt the thermostat housing back into place. Do not overtighten the thermostat housing. Overtightening will crack the housing.

5

Place the radiator hose back onto the thermostat housing and secure the radiator hose-retaining clip into place.