Replace thermostat

[netknowledge]

My termperature gauge never gets moves off "C" on my 95 Explorer. After searching messages, I decided I want to change my thermostat. Is this something that is easy to do? Will I have to remove coolant when I do this?

TIA

 

[Jason_25]

Yeah it's your thermostat I guarantee it.

You will need to drain all your fluid out of the plastic spigot on the bottom of your radiator. Once it's gone, remove the three bolts (one of them is a bear), and pull the t-stat out and replace with the new one. Also, make sure to get a gasket with the new one.

 

[RufusGentry]

I did it 2 weeks ago

if you have the 4.0 engine you may have to remove the belt and idler pulley to make room for your tools to get in there, but othere than that it is pretty simple, and only costs about ten dollars

 

[Shamrock]

I just did this and it's really not that bad. Take off the intake hose for sure. As far as the 3 bolts, yes, they can be a PITA. I'd use a box wrench (angled away from you) for the top bolt, a normal socket with an extension for the top bolt, and a small ratchet with a 3" extension for the lower bolt. This one can be a pain if you don't have the arm strength to turn a little ratchet. And, with such a small driver, Craftsman tools are a must as the chances of breakage are quite high.

MAKE SURE YOU DRAIN THE COOLANT OR YOU WILL HAVE A BIG MESS UNDERNEATH!!!

Other than that, it's all a piece of cake...

 

[netknowledge]

Thanks guys! I got the thermostat replaced this morning and now the gauge is working. The needle perks up like grandpa on Viagra!

You need the right tools to work in tight spaces. The elbow thingy for the socket wrench came in handy when removing the bolts. I removed the clamp that held the throttle body and moved that out of the way. I also learned how to "burp" the radiator when filling it up (leave a couple of inches off the top BEFORE you warm up the engine, please).

Thanks again for the help.