How Do I Repair a 1994 Cavalier Thermostat?

A 1994 Chevy Cavalier, like all other cars, uses a thermostat to help control the engine's temperature. The thermostat is a metal valve placed in a housing in the coolant line. As the temperature rises to a certain point, the thermostat opens and allows the coolant to travel into the radiator to be cooled. The thermostat cannot be repaired because the water and coolant, along with the heat, will corrode the metal thermostat. But don't be discouraged; the thermostat can be replaced cheaply and easily.

Instructions

1

Follow the large hose coming from the top of the radiator to the metal housing just before it goes into the engine. Place a bucket on the ground under the housing to catch any lost coolant.

2

Loosen the two bolts that hold the housing together, using the ratchet. Take them out and place in a secure location where they will not be lost. Pull apart the housing.

3

Pull the thermostat from the housing and note the direction it is pointed. The thermostat should pull out easily with your hand. Pull the old gasket from the housing. The gasket will probably be stuck to the housing, so scrape it off with the screwdriver. Check to see that the gasket is totally removed and remove any remaining pieces so that the housing is clean.

4

Place the new thermostat in the housing in the direction the old one was facing. Lubricate the new gasket and place it in the housing. Put the housing back together; replace and tighten the bolts.

5

Fill the coolant reservoir with a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water. Start the engine and look to see that there is no leakage from the housing.