Tools
Needed: Flat
head screwdriver or nut drivers, ratchet and socket,
drip pan, a rag, flat scraper to remove the old gasket.
Time needed: 20-40 minutes
Although
water pump failure is often the cause of overheating,
it never hurts to take a quick look at what could prove
to be a simple quick fix. As often as the water pump
goes bad, so does that pesky thermostat.
Because
the thermostat is cheap and replacing it is simple it
isn't a bad idea to try this repair before getting into
more difficult manuevers.
Here
I am only going to briefly describe the procedure to
change your thermostat. For more details, including
how to test your thermostat and water pump visit the
engine repair section of the Jonko Forum.
Locate
and Remove the Thermostat
Although some thermostats are located where the bottom
radiator hose joins the engine, the vast majority are
on the top hose. Locate the hose and unscrew the clamp
that attaches it to the engine.
When
the clamp is loose, pull the hose from the engine. You
may lose a bit of fluid here so make sure you have a
drip pan in place under the vehicle.
When
the hose is removed you will need to remove the bolts
that hold the thermostat housing in place. Once you
have removed the housing, simply lift out the old thermostat.
Clean
up and install the new thermostat
In all likelyhood, some of the gasket that rested
between the housing and the engine will remain stuck.
Remove the old gasket by plugging the hole with a rag
and scraping away the gasket. This will insure that
none of the old gasket accidentally falls into the cooling
system.
After
you have cleaned up the area, you are ready to install
your new thermostat. You should always use the recommended
unit because thermostats that open at the wrong temperature
can cause several problems resulting in sludged oil
and damaged components.
Set
the gasket in place and remember to install the thermostat
with the power unit pointed towards the engine block.
After it is in place, replace the bolts and snug it
down.
Finish
the job
After you have tightened it down, replace the hose
and clamp you removed earlier. If you lost any fluid
during the job, you will want to refill the system.
Although you can reuse the fluid you caught in your
drip pan, I'd recommend filling with fresh fluid to
avoid worrying about what else may have mixed with the
fluid in the pan.
After
you have filled your system, you are ready to go. If
you need more details take this link to the Jonko
Engine Repair Forum and get more heating and cooling
information.
Related:
Overheating
Quick Fixes
Check
Your Circulation
