Your automobiles thermostat can really be a simple item to change. The type of vehicle determines the location of the thermostat. There is a very simple system for finding this location.Follow the top radiator hose from the radiator to where it attaches to the engine. Make sure your engine is completely cool.If you detach this hose while the engine is hot will more than likely send you to the hospital with burns from the hot anti-freeze in the hose,
Take the hose off that connection. That connection is the thermostat housing. It will most likely have two bolts. Take the bolts out,remove the housing and you will see your thermostat. Make a mental note of how that thermostat is seated in there and pull it out.

You should have already bought a new one at your local automobile parts store.If you have questions on the location of the housing,ask the parts person. I'm sure they will show you.
After you remove the housing and thermostat,you must clean all the old gasket material off the housing. Use a scraper and get it all clean. You can always rub emery cloth over it to make sure you removed all the old gasket. You will receive a new gasket with your new thermostat. Make sure and buy some gasket sealant too.

I have a little secret to share with you. A large percentage of thermostats are defective straight out of the package. To test yours,drop it in a pot of boiling water and see if it opens. If it does,it is good.

Put a bit of sealant on the housing. Put the gasket on carefully and install the thermostat. Make sure to not install it upside down. Tighten your bolts and put the radiator hose back on. Make sure you have enough anti-freeze in your radiator.

You are now ready to check for leaks. If you followed directions,there shouldn't be any. Start the engine with the hood up. Check the area around the housing and the hose. If you don't see fluid coming out you should be good to go. If you do,first check the hose and tighten the bolts. It shouldn't leak then. If it does,you may need another gasket.

Hope you all learned something new today. Remember,your local auto parts supplier will probably help with any questions that may arise.

Learn more about this author, Greg B..
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