I think my thermostat on my '91 may be sticking and I need to change it. I took a look at where the thermostat housing is located and it looks like it's going to be a pain? My friend says 1/2 hour easy but he hasn't seen where it's at yet. I'm thinking more like 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Worst part is that it's 45 degrees outside and I have no garage to work in.

If anyone has any suggestions or words of advice, please let me know. If there's anything tricky that I need to know about I'd appreciate that as well.

TIA!

 

On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 the hardest and 1 being putting air in the tires, it's a 2.

Even if you have to pull the plenum to get at it, it shouldn't take more then 45 minutes. The only problem you might encounter is the bolts being seized in the intake. Take it slow, if they seem like they're taking too much effort, leave it alone. I'd recommend using anti-seize on the bolts when you put it back together.

 

yeah, pretty much ^^

If you think thats a pain in the ***, try changing one in a FWD 3.1

 

Its alot easier than it looks dont be intimidated. Took me 45 mins to do and doing a coolant flush at the same time. I swapped my stock termostat for a 180 degree and i am so happy i did. you dont even have to remove anything to get to it just get in on the right angle to take remove the bolts and grab the main cooltant hose coming in from the radiator and the thermostat with it

 

Well I ended up doing alot more than just changing the thermostat but I'm glad I did. I removed the throttle body and cleaned it really good while it was off. I replaced a couple hoses, the nasty factory clamps, and the plastic quick disconnect on the coolant line junction just below the thermostat housing. I believe there was a small coolant leak where that junction snaps into the fitting on the intake. I removed the junction and replaced the o-ring inside as well as the plastic quick disconnect which was broken as well. I went ahead and put a factory spec thermostat back in it which is ok because the new one I bought is actually a 192* thermostat. It's stamped 195* but it's actually a 192. I doubt the 3* is going to make a difference but what the heck. Anyhow, overall I'm pleased. The engine now runs back at the norm where it should be and I replaced several other items that could have caused future problems while I was at it.

 

THANK YOU!
So many people never tell us how things turned out.
Glad things went good for you.

 

good idea removing the throttle body, when i changed mine (it was stuck wide open) i didn't remove anything (BIG MISTAKE) lol i learned my hands are too big, but i got it off. For those who changing ur thermostat, do ur self a favor and take the throttle body off.

 

Does changing the thermometer allow for any performance gains? If so, please elaborate. Thanks!

 

No, changing the thermostat has no performance gains. It simply regulates the temperature the water is released from your radiator into the engine.