How do I Replace the Thermostat on a 1998 Lincoln Continental Engine?

There are two signs that the thermostat in your 1998 Lincoln Continental engine is not working properly. The first sign could be that your engine overheats after running for a short period. This means the thermostat stopped working in the closed position; thus it restricts fluid from flowing through the engine. The fluid does not flow through the radiator so it cannot cool off. This causes the engine to overheat. The second and more common sign is the fact that the heater blower will not produce heat. The thermostat stopped working in the open position. This allows to much fluid to flow, causing the engine to run too cool.

Instructions

1

Drive the Lincoln Continental onto a set of ramps and secure the parking break.

2

Place a 3-gallon drain pan under the lower radiator hose where it connects to the radiator. Due to the age of the vehicle, do not open the radiator petcock as it may break. Remove the radiator hose band clamp with a screwdriver and pull the hose off the radiator to drain the fluid into the pan. Slide the hose back onto the radiator and secure it with the band clamp.

3

Open the engine hood and set it in place with the hood prop. Trace the upper radiator hose to the engine block and the hose clamps onto the thermostat housing. Remove the band clamp and pull the hose off the housing. Push the hose off to the side to gain access to the thermostat housing.

4

Remove the two bolts that secure the housing to the engine with a 3/16-inch socket and lift the housing off the thermostat. Pull the old thermostat out of the engine and throw it away.

5

Clean the surface of the engine with a wire brush to remove the old gasket material. Also, clean the bottom of the thermostat housing with a wire brush to remove the old gasket material.

6

Place the new thermostat into the engine with the spring-loaded end submerged into the engine. The end with the pin sits inside of the thermostat housing.

7

Place a bead of RTV gasket sealer around the bottom edge of the thermostat housing and then bolt the housing back onto the engine. Using RTV gasket sealer prevents leaks where pitting has occurred on the metal mating surfaces.

8

Slide the radiator hose back onto the thermostat housing and secure the hose to the housing with the band clamp.

9

Open the radiator cap and drain a 50-50 mixture of radiator fluid and distilled water into the radiator.