Replacing your car's thermostat

One of the most important parts of the vehicle's engine is the small and often inexpensive thermostat.  This device ensures the engine run at the proper temperature as you drive down the road.  Once the engine reaches the set temperature, the thermostat opens, ensuring the engine runs without overheating.

The thermostat housing covers the thermostat.  Unfortunately,  the housing is prone to developing leaks.  If all the coolant leaks from the engine, the vehicle will begin to overheat.  The following will guide you to replacing the housing.

Finding Parts for Replacing Thermostat Housing

In order to replace this important part, it is necessary to locate a replacement.  Often this involves more than a quick trip to the automotive parts store, as vehicles often require manufacturer specific parts.

Before beginning the process of replacement, ensure the correct housing has been located and is at hand.

1. Safety

An engine that has been running within the past hour will be hot and the liquid under pressure.  Allow time for the engine to cool before attempting to make any replacement in order to reduce the risk of serious burns.

2.  Preparing the Cooling System

To make the replacement, it is necessary to remove coolant from the vehicle's cooling system.  If the radiator has a drain, attach a hose and open the spigot to allow the coolant to drain into a pan.  Close the drain once the coolant has emptied.  Many newer vehicles do not have a drain and the lower radiator hose must be loosened to drain the coolant.  Place a wide mouth container under the radiator to collect the coolant.

3.  Thermostat Removal

The first step to removing the thermostat is getting to it.  Unplug any harnesses holding wires in place to provide access.  Remove the thermostat tube in order to expose the bolts holding the thermostat in place.  Remove the additional two tubes from the housing in order to remove it from the engine of the vehicle.

It is now possible to verify one's suspicion of a broken thermostat housing.  Look for cracks around this part as well as broken gaskets that can also result in coolant leaks from the vehicle's engine.

4. Removal of  the Thermostat From its Housing

In order to replace the housing, the thermostat must first be removed.  This may require removing two screws and lifting the unit out of the encasement holding it into the housing.

5. Replace the Thermostat Using a new Housing

Once the replacement housing has been placed on the thermostat, it is possible to return the entire unit to the engine.  To replace the housing, reverse the steps for removal of the thermostat from the vehicle's engine, being sure that all tubes are properly attached at the correct position.

Once the cooling system to the vehicle has been reassembled, it is possible to replace the coolant in the engine.  Start the engine and allow it to run in order to verify there are no coolant leaks.  If the vehicle continues to have cooling problems once this repair has been made, it may be best to seek the help of a certified mechanic.