- 1). Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
- 2). Engage the emergency brake and block the back tires with a brick, or something similar.
- 3). Allow the vehicle to cool down if it has been driven recently.
- 4). Place a clean bucket under the radiator drain plug. On a V-6 the radiator drain plug is located on lower right side of the radiator. On a V-8 the drain plug is located on the lower left side. (If the coolant is new or in good condition, save it and reuse it.)
- 5). Attach a 3/8-inch hose to the drain fitting, if possible, to make it easier for the coolant to flow into the container.
- 6). Open the drain fitting with a pair of pliers.
- 7). Open the radiator cap, after the coolant tank is empty. Let the radiator drain.
- 8). Position the container under the drain plugs on the engine block, if you've decided to flush the entire system. (If not, move on to Step 9.) On a V-8 engine, both sides of the engine block have a drain plug. On a V-6 engine, the drain plug is on the right side of the engine block.
- 9). Check for cracked or broken hoses while the coolant is draining. Check the clamps to ensure tightness so water or coolant does not leak from the fittings.
- 10
Follow the upper radiator hose to engine to locate the housing for the thermostat. - 11
Loosen the hose clamp using pliers to squeeze the tabs on the clamp together, for a spring clamp. For a clamp with a screw, use a flathead screwdriver. Pull the hose free of the thermostat housing. - 12
Remove the bolts, on the radiator housing, using a socket and ratchet or a wrench. Pull the housing free of the engine block. - 13
Remove the thermostat, paying attention to which end is facing out. - 14
Stuff a clean rag into the opening to keep debris out of the engine. - 15
Remove the old gasket from both surfaces with a gasket scraper or putty knife. - 16
Remove the rag. Clean the surfaces with acetone or lacquer thinner. - 17
Install the new thermostat in the correct direction. The end with the spring normally faces down. - 18
Apply a thin layer of RTV sealant to both sides of the new gasket. Place the gasket on the thermostat housing. - 19
Install the cover and bolts. Tighten the bolts. Attach the hose to the housing. Tighten the hose clamp. - 20
Place a water hose in the opening of the radiator, if you are flushing the system. If not, move on to Step 23. Allow the water to run until the water coming out of the drain runs clear. - 21
Remove the overflow hose from the coolant reservoir and flush with water from the garden hose. Reinstall the hose. - 22
Close and tighten the radiator drain plug. Reinstall the engine block drain plug. - 23
Fill the radiator with coolant--a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze. Start the engine and turn the heater on. Add coolant to the lowest mark on the coolant reservoir. Let the engine run until the thermostat opens up. (Coolant will flow through the radiator and upper radiator hose.) Top the radiator off. - 24
Turn the engine off and allow engine to cool down. Add more coolant mixture to the radiator to bring the level up to the filler neck. - 25
Replace the radiator cap. Start the engine, allowing it to reach normal operating temperature. Check for leaks at the drain plugs, hoses and clamps.
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