Thermostat Change 2002 Sports Trac

[Mac Palmer]

Hello,
Getting ready to change thermostat on truck. Have never done on this one. I was told that I needed an 8mm. Do I need any other tools. Just getting what I need only.
I'll say Thanks ahead of time.

 

[mostly_broncos]

Do you have any gymnastics training? you need to do a 1 1/2 gainer to remove and insert .

 

[koda2000]

IDK about bolt actual socket sizes required, but 8mm and 10mm are pretty common sizes used by Ford on these engines. When I changed my t-stat I found that to get at it I removed the small plastic engine cover, disconnected, unbolted and removed the throttle body. That gave me good access to the t-stat upper housing, which is held on with 3 bolts. I'd recommend you use a 1/4" ratchet and a long (4-5"?) 1/4" extension to access the associated bolts (4 for the throttle body and 3 for the upper t-stat housing).

After removing the upper housing the t-stat lifts out. There is a large rubber O-ring seal that you will need to replace with the t-stat. I don't recall if it goes under or over the t-stat, so take note of where the old O-ring is located.

After inserting the new t-stat and seal be careful not to over-tighten the 3 bolts that hold the cover on. There's a torque spec, but off hand I don't recall what it is, it's measured in inch pounds. If you over-tighten the bolts you can damage the housing.

FYI - The plastic t-stat housing used on these engines is problem prone (eventually leaking from multiple areas) OEM replacements are expensive and the lower piece is more difficult to replace than the t-stat itself. Many find that replacing the entire housing with a metal one is a good solution.

 

[mostly_broncos]

I was being facetious but you should be able to do it without taking the throttle body off. You have to flip the thermostat as you pull it up and out , it will go . Its like one of those blacksmiths puzzles you just have to turn it the right way, sorta towards the passenger side.

 

[koda2000]

I was being facetious but you should be able to do it without taking the throttle body off. You have to flip the thermostat as you pull it up and out , it will go . Its like one of those blacksmiths puzzles you just have to turn it the right way, sorta towards the passenger side.

I didn't try it w/out removing the throttle body, but removing it is quite easy to do and it will give you great access to the t-stat and a chance to clean the TB thoroughly. I have a JOB 2 engine and intake. I don't know if perhaps that makes a different in clearance.

BTW - I looked up the torque spec for the upper t-stat housing bolts and it said 8 foot pounds (which is 96 inch pounds). Considering that this is not very tight I'd use an inch pound torque wrench to avoid damage to the plastic housing as a foot pound torque wrench is less likely to be accurate at such a low setting.

 

[donalds]

YI - The plastic t-stat housing used on these engines is problem prone (eventually leaking from multiple areas) OEM replacements are expensive and the lower piece is more difficult to replace than the t-stat itself. Many find that replacing the entire housing with a metal one is a good solution.

I was thinking the same thing as I read your post