Thermostat Install

[Ross]

I'm hoping that this is a totally unrelated to my recent problems.
This morning on my way to work, my temp gauge went WAY to the top for a couple of minutes. While I was trying to find a place to pull over, the gauge starts lowering to its normal position.
I figure I have a stat about to go out, so I stopped by the dealer (luckily on my way to work) and buy a new one.
A question about installing the new one:
I plan to use some plastic coated spring clips to close off the hose on both sides of the stat before I replace it, so I don't lose any coolant.
Any special tricks when changing the stat itself?
After the new stat is in, I will probably still have a few air bubbles in the line, so I plan to open the plug at the high side of the system and add coolant as needed to fill it up and purge the bubbles.
Is this all that I need to do?
Is this about a one hour job?
Thanks

[fastblackmerc]

I'm hoping that this is a totally unrelated to my recent problems.
This morning on my way to work, my temp gauge went WAY to the top for a couple of minutes. While I was trying to find a place to pull over, the gauge starts lowering to its normal position.
I figure I have a stat about to go out, so I stopped by the dealer (luckily on my way to work) and buy a new one.
A question about installing the new one:
I plan to use some plastic coated spring clips to close off the hose on both sides of the stat before I replace it, so I don't lose any coolant.
Any special tricks when changing the stat itself?
After the new stat is in, I will probably still have a few air bubbles in the line, so I plan to open the plug at the high side of the system and add coolant as needed to fill it up and purge the bubbles.
Is this all that I need to do?
Is this about a one hour job?
Thanks
No special tricks that I know of (I changed my stat to 180 degrees). I did replace the O-ring ( O-ring is the gasket). It is important to bleed the system by opening up the lug at the highest point. If I remember correctly it took less than 45 min. Good Luck! :banana2:

[Ross]

Yep, got the new O ring, too. No sense changing out the stat and putting back an old O ring that might not do the job! Thanks for the info.

[Warpath]

I hope its not a faulty sensor.

[Ross]

I hope its not a faulty sensor.


Hmmmmm, is that a difficult fix, or just a screw out and screw in replacement? Can the old one be tested?

[RF Overlord]

Ross, it's a "screw out/screw in" job... :D

The coolant temp sensors are in the black metal cross-over tube...one on each side. IIRC, one is for the gauge, and the other is for the PCM...I'll have to look in the service manual when I get home tonight to see which is which, and if they're the same P/N.

[wchain]

Take it back and insist that the car wasnt doing any of that until you brought it in to the dealer.

If that doesnt work I'll come over with my doctors bag tonight....

[Blackened300a]

I had the Same issue after my Thermostat install because I didnt Bleed the System. there is a Plug that requires a 1/4" Rachet to open and remove the air.


Fill your Radiator, Then Remove the Plug on the top of the Cross over Metal Pipe that is located in front of the alternator, Run the engine and fill up the pipe, When its full , replace the plug, let run for a minute and then slowly open the plug to let any air bubbles escape, Repeat this til coolant comes out and you are done.
I almost put the stock Stat back in til I learned this trick

[metroplex]

Ah, it's just like the cooling system on the 81-89 Dodge K-cars.

[danbike]

Man, talk about a nasty image? A K car.

[Ross]

You know, I may try this before I put the new thermostat in to see if it does the trick. :up:

[Dennis Reinhart]

If you change the stat be sure to fill the radiator through the fill tube on the crossover pipe, it is also possible the system just has air in it and can be bled through the same point but be carefull opening this if the car is hot.

[Ross]

Blackened300a! I tried just bleeding the system and adding coolant, and sure enough, this morning I had no problems on the way to work. There did seem to be a lot of air in the crossover pipe. I'm thinking that with all of the recent work the dealer did, they disconnected some hoses for some reason, and didn't properly add coolant and bleed the system when they put it back together. A six pack of Shiner Bock to Blackened300a when I ever see him! :beer:

[Blackened300a]

Blackened300a! I tried just bleeding the system and adding coolant, and sure enough, this morning I had no problems on the way to work. There did seem to be a lot of air in the crossover pipe. I'm thinking that with all of the recent work the dealer did, they disconnected some hoses for some reason, and didn't properly add coolant and bleed the system when they put it back together. A six pack of Shiner Bock to Blackened300a when I ever see him! :beer:
No Prob!!! I was Thankful When I Learned that Trick and Solved My Problem
Im Glad it Worked for you!
However Ill Still Take you up on the Drink Offer :beer: