REALLY Basic Thermostat Replacement Questions

[johnkappus]

Changing my thermostat...

...called C-Dan and got a new T-Stat and both of the gaskets for the housing....

...FSM says first step is to drain engine coolant ... do I REALLY have to drain the coolant?

Also, the FSM give torque values for the t-stat housing bolts. I don't have a torque wrench. How big of a deal is it if i just tighten them down nice and tight till i can borrow a torque wrench?

Pretty basic questions...i know, but i'm no mechanic and am looking for advice.

Thanks!

 

[Michael Hanson]

No you dont have to drain the system,just unbolt it and put the new one in .Fill it back up by putting it on an incline facing up. Tighten it snug ,run it if it leaks tighten it a bit more. Mike

 

[johnkappus]

Thanks Mike!

 

[Michael Hanson]

When you put the new paper gasket on make sure the two halves of the thermostat are dry. Mike

 

[cruiser88]

dont forget the rubber!















































lol...O-Ring

 

[johnkappus]

the FSM didn't say ANYTHING about having to wear a rubber to change my t-stat

...oh well, if you say so!

: P

 

[cruiser88]

lol..no really Do not forget the O-Ring or the rig will not cool/heat correctly

the FSM didn't say ANYTHING about having to wear a rubber to change my t-stat

...oh well, if you say so!

: P

 

[klinetime574]

That had a torque value? haha

Blue RTV and a gasket to seal the housing for me

 

[johnkappus]

lol..no really Do not forget the O-Ring or the rig will not cool/heat correctly

Turns out that whoever replaced the thermostat before i bought the truck forgot the o-ring...

Got the housing opened up to find a new-ish t-stat with NO upper o ring.

As long as i have already bought a new thermostat i'll put that one in with the o-ring.

Thanks for the tip

 

[slcfj62]

Also, the FSM give torque values for the t-stat housing bolts. I don't have a torque wrench. How big of a deal is it if i just tighten them down nice and tight till i can borrow a torque wrench?

Just my 2 cents, but the first bolt you break off because you tightened it too much will cause you to regret not using a torque wrench. If you are going to be your own mechanic, you really need a torque wrench. Otherwise it's a seat-of-the-pants operation. There are a bunch of bolts/nuts that should be torqued to specific values. I saw a torque wrench on sale at Sears for $60. That would be money well invested.

 

[johnkappus]

Just my 2 cents, but the first bolt you break off because you tightened it too much will cause you to regret not using a torque wrench. If you are going to be your own mechanic, you really need a torque wrench. Otherwise it's a seat-of-the-pants operation. There are a bunch of bolts/nuts that should be torqued to specific values. I saw a torque wrench on sale at Sears for $60. That would be money well invested.

yep! That was my feeling too...i just went and picked up a buddy's torque wrench and will be off to sears to pick up my own. As long as I have gone to the trouble of buying a FSM with torque values I might well use it.