Thursday, September 15, 2011

How do you change a thermostat in a ford escort?

1.9 literHow do you change a thermostat in a ford escort?http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBrokerHow do you change a thermostat in a ford escort?Things you'll need:

Container to catch coolant that holds at least 3 gallons and will fit under car, flathead screwdriver, socket set, new thermostat, theromostat housing gasket, coolant (or use old)



First, drain the coolant into container. There should be a valve on the bottom corner of the radiator. Open it and allow the coolant to run out. Take the cap off the radiator and get underneath. there may be a drain plug on the block or water pump, but i don't remember as it has been 5 years since I owned my lil GT. If you cant find it just remove the bottom radiator hose from the water pump (carfully!) and allow block to drain.

Now follow the upper radiator hose from the radiator to the engine. Where that connects is the thermostat housing and should have two bolts hoding it on. Remove the hose and the housing by loosening those two bolts. Remove the old thermostat and check. It should have a number stamped on it, probably around 180. This is the temperature the thermostat will BEGIN to open. Check to see that the same number is on the new thermostat now. If not, find out correct rating for that car (call auto store). Now clean all traces of old gasket from both the housing you removed and the block. This is important, failure to thouroughly clean BOTH these surfaces WILL result in a leak, probably a large one. Also be careful not to score the surfaces as they still need to be smooth. Use a scraper then scotch brite. DO NOT use steel wool.

Now install the thermostat, simply set it in the block. It should say which direction it goes, it will flow out through the hose and into the radiator. Install the thermostat housing with the new gasket between it and the block, it should line up. If you did a good job cleaning you will not need any kind of rtv sealant. Or, if you prefer, you can just use rtv. Color really doesn't matter, the orange works ok for thermostats. Simply run a decent size bead around the housing and install. Tighten the screws down and reinstall the upper hose.

Reinstall the lower hose and close the valve (called a petcock) on the radiator. Make sure you tighten the clamps and you're ready to fill her up! You reall should pre-mix your antifreeze, just get an empty gallon jug and pour half the gallon into it. Now fill the rest of both jugs with water. Viola, two gallons of 50/50. There should be a screw or bolt near the thermostat housing on the block side of it. Loosen this screw and fill the radiator like normal. When it's full and all the air bubbles go down tighten the screw and top off.

Now start the car and let idle. Watch the coolant in the top of the radiator (leave cap off). It will just sit there while the car warms up. It may overflow some, no worry. Once the engine warms up the thermostat will begin to open, and you will see the water in the radiator start to flow down and steam. This means the thermostat is working, you're done! Remember to dispose of coolant PROPERLY as it is poisonous. You local auto parts store should know where you can take it. NEVER dump ANY drained fluids from a car.



Hope that helped, and I hope I didn't go over your head!