Changing the thermostat

[Bored_2wd]

Alright, temp guage never gets up above the C line, time to change the thermostat. It was 10 bucks, so if it's not the thermostat next step will be the temp sensor. My question is this: Do I have to drain the radiator to change this? How much coolant will be lost when I undo the hose? Anybody know? I'll drain it if I have to but would rather not. I had the radiator replace in spring, so new coolant is in there.
Thanks for any help!
--Bob

 

[RiverRat]

just let the engine cool and change it. you wont loose more than a cup of coolant.

 

[X~FACTOR]

$10 for thermostat is cheap. I got one from Autozone for $7.99 with the correct part number or so they say but it was the wrong size (way too small). Pep Boys got the right one for $24.99.

 

[Bored_2wd]

Got it straight from ford for $10 bucks. Hope it's the right one.

 

[unclemeat]

Be careful not to strip the treads when you reinstall the thermostat. You may want to us loc-tight or similar product on the bolts. If you drain about a quart of coolant out of the radiator, then you wont spill any.

 

[nserafini]

No reason to drain the radiator. Just have a rag on hand. That said, if the thermostat looks rusty, and the water does as well, then why not give it a flush and a clean.

Autozone had the right one for me, $7.99 ....

 

[X~FACTOR]

Originally posted by nserafini
Autozone had the right one for me, $7.99 ....

They must have the 1st gen part # correct in their system. When I went there I saw the numbers myself punched in the computer and it came out for my year but it was still wrong. Just something to watch out for.