changing thermostat??

[bluethunder]

my friend wants me to change the thermostat on her 96 mustang with a 3.8 v-6, i figure its probably similar to the 4.0. my question is, how do you change it, how hard is it, and how long will it take? thanks.
-jonathan

 

[dbarale]

I'm not quite sure on a 'stang but ,based on my experience on the X, I would say:

- Think about it and make sure you really wanna do thet for her. 10 mn
- Get the Haynes repair manual, thermostat and coolant at your local auto parts. 15mn
- Have a beer. 10mn
- Remove and replace the thermostat. 45 mn
- Have another beer. 10mn
- Flush the system a couple of times with water, refill with coolant and check for leaks. 60 mn
- What about a beer?. 10mn

Now, depending on what kind of relationship you have with your friend you may skip step 1 and save a few mn. But you really want wanna flush the system at least twice, a little 'time consuming' but the engine is gonna love it.

Have fun.

 

[dbarale]

BTW it's not really difficult, and be carefull if you use a coolant system cleaner. They may create leaks on old or low maintened radiators...

 

[RTStork]

Be sure to use a gasket and/or some sealer.