180 degree thermostat install

MoKo_04GT · 07-23-2008, 03:14 PM

lately its been retardedly hot here in oklahoma city....so last week i ordered a "jet" 180 degree t-stat (which ups has scheduled to arrive today), just to help my girl run a little cooler in this miserable heat.

i have never installed a t-stat before...but certainly it cant be TOO TOO hard. i was hoping that maybe someone that has installed one could help out with a small "how to" ...or if anyone possibly knows of a link to some install instructions?

if so please chime in!!

thank you

edit: sure do wish someone would get the search feature working again!! *SiGh*

cliffyk · 07-23-2008, 03:40 PM

With the engine cold pack an old towel, or a wad of paper towels, or best of all a couple disposable diapers, around the base of the thermostat housing. You will lose a small amount of coolant and packing it like that will minimise the mess.[/align][/align]Then just remove the two bolts and pop off the top part of the housing, have a helper hold the radiator hose vertically or tie it up to the hood or something (Iattach a small length of cord to the hood before I start so I can easily tie up the hose).[/align][/align]Pay attention to which way the t-stat goes (the "button" end goes toward the engine). The new thermostat should come with a gasket, so clean up the sealing surfaces and bolt it all back together.[/align][/align]Torque the bolts to 18 ft.lbs.[/align][/align]

MoKo_04GT · 07-23-2008, 03:43 PM

cliffyk your help is greatly appreciated, sir!

just one last question...is the t-stat housing located kind of to the right of the plenum? im pretty sure i know where it is...just wanted to double check tho to be 100% sure.

cliffyk · 07-23-2008, 04:05 PM

It's slightly in front of the driver's side cam cover, there's a 2" black hose connected to it; you cannot miss it...

MoKo_04GT · 07-23-2008, 04:18 PM

ok thats what i was thinking. thank you for confirming.

also thank you for the write up/help...it is greatly appreciated, and is about to get put to good use within the next couple of hours.

MoKo_04GT · 07-23-2008, 04:30 PM

well....make that: put to good use right now....since it just arrived!!

thanks again cliffyk for the prompt response and info!

cliffyk · 07-23-2008, 04:44 PM

Make sure the engine is COLD. it takes 3-4 hours after shut down from hot for my '03 to get to the point where I'd be messing with the thermostat1st thing in the morning is better...

MoKo_04GT · 07-23-2008, 05:00 PM

lol yeah i just went out there and i could feel the heat still coming off of the engine from a few hours ago....so....guess i will just wait untill morning. haha thanks