DIY Request: Thermostat Housing.

[BrooklynMW]

Need to replace mine. Luckily, there's o overheating, but once the car is cooled down after being parked for some time, coolant and water start to leak out of the housing once the pressure form the cooling system is released. Since it's not a big emergency and seems like a fairly simple job, I thought this might be something I can tackle myself. (I am no mechanic...novice at best.)

The guy over at La Jolla Independent quickly walked me throught it, but step by step instructions with pics would be great.

Thanks in advance!

[Kershaw]

undo the coolant line.
undo 3 bolts.
take thermostat out.
put new thermostat in.
put in 3 bolts.
put in coolant line.
bleed system.

[BrooklynMW]

I think the tstat itself is fine, rather the housing that's corroded and needs replacement.

[ttrousdell]

undo the coolant line.
undo 3 bolts.
take thermostat out.
put new thermostat in.
put in 3 bolts.
put in coolant line.
bleed system.

do all that to get the thermostat out. to get the thermostat housing off the block take off the 2 nuts. make sure you have one these gaskets http://www.partsgeek.com/assets/rep/...74-1021071.jpg

[BrooklynMW]

Thank's, fellers.

Idiot question: I do have to wait until the engine is completely cool, right? And should I drain all the coolant out before doing any work?

[Kershaw]

if you like hot coolant on your hands, by all means do a few hot laps and then do it.

that said, i did change my thermostat directly after driving it. metal was warm, but i didnt get any coolant on me.

just undo the hose to the to radiator on the thermostat side. but make sure you bleed the system regardless.

[BrooklynMW]

Thanks, waiting a few more days to get the part, then I'll give this a shot. I'll let you know how it goes.

T-stat housing today, timing belt tomorrow!

[!kid]

i am sure there are a few members in your area if you need help.
you in so-cal?

[BrooklynMW]

Yep, I'm in OB. I'll definitely call upon help should I need it. Thanks

[BrooklynMW]

I'm on my way to pick up a new thermostat housing today and all the necessary parts. I plan on doing the work myself, but since I'm new to turning my own wrenches, this might turn out to be a big job. Is there anybody on here who might like to help me out/oversee, just to make sure I don't screw it up too bad?

The car is now parked in the Eastlake area of Chula Vista, South San Diego county. Thanks.

[BrooklynMW]

Well, the whole job LOOKED to be a success. Got the new t-stat housing on nice and tight, all the hoses seem to be in order, and bled the system properly. Car is not overheating, and the t-stat is working nicely.

However, I'm still leaking coolant. And I believe it's leaking out faster than before. Looks like it's dripping down off the two large front hoses. I'm not sure what else could be causing it. My hoses are fine and the connections are nice and tight.

[Huff]

You probably have your O-ring on the wrong side of the Thermostat...

[BrooklynMW]

You probably have your O-ring on the wrong side of the Thermostat...

You know something? That is a strong possiblity. It looked tight when I put it on, but I used my old thermostat and old o ring in my new housing, so it's possible it was not a snug fit.
I brought it to the shop today to have a pressure test done. Was trying to save some money (and learn a little something) by doing the job myself, but alas, professionalism always trumps over amateurism.

Musicians.....we think we know everything.

[Huff]

The thermostat sits in the back of the housing, then the O-ring on top of it, then the cover. Plus, O-Rings are like $.50. I would recomend a new one.

You can pull this off..

[BrooklynMW]

Yes, it was indeed the o-ring. Plus the hoses were pretty irritated. I'm having a whole bunch of work done today so they offered to clean up my mess at no additional cost.