Changing T-Stat

[Hunter11]

Isn't changing the T-stat a pretty easy job? Do you have to drain the coolant? It seems as if you could change it without doing all that. And what temp. Thermostat should I buy?

 

[Hunter11]

Can someone help? I just need to know b/c I am about to take a long trip tomorrow. I went ahead and bought a thermostat, it was a 195 degree one should I have got a 180?

 

[Trckmagik]

Stick w/ the stock t-stat. I bought a diff. temp one and never installed it. I still have it if someone wants it. 5.00 bucks brand new and in the box.

 

[NoBoundaries]

I changed mine without draining the coolant, I'm lazy I guess, but yes, you can do it. You will still loose some and it will be messy though. I think you will be ok with that t-stat. I can't remember what I got. If you had the option of a 180, I might have gone for that one over the 195, but to be honest, it really doesn't matter that much. Hope this helps.

 

[rpenner54]

This was the first operation I had to perform on my Explorer. I used the stock one whatever it is. I drained the coolent and when I saw that it was a nice dark dark brown I drained it all. Then I swaped it out and that was that. Course I gave it a good flush job, at least as good as I could give at home and then took it to Grease Monkey and had them do it again.

 

[Hunter11]

I just went outside and tried to change the t-stat and I could not get to the three bolts! I figured out that I don't have to change the coolant. Can anyone help!? It looked like it would be pretty easy but is there any tips?

 

[Maniak]

If I remember correctly I used my 1/4" drive with teh 10mm socket and an extension for two of them. I had to use my 10mm combo wrench for the 3rd one (the pain in the butt one). Once you have done it once it will be easy. It is hard to describe but you just have to get your hands/tool in the right orientation to it off.

 

[Ira]

When I did mine, I used a 1/4" drive rachet, swivel, extension, and socket. The swivel makes it a lot easier to work around.

Be sure to use the 195 instead of the 180. It will make a BIG difference if you don't. These engines are set up to run at 195 and it you use a 180 instead, the computer will sense the engine is not properly warming up and your performance and economy will suffer. Many people who have put a 180 in have later found their fuel economy has dropped by 2+ MPG until they switch back to a 195. The only alternative to that is by changing the computer chip to a Jet which is set up for a 180.