Filling up coolant

Hi,

When you refill the coolant, do both. Slowly fill the radiator allowing air to escape. While filling the radiator, observe the coolant level inside the radiator by pressing the inlet and outlet radiator hoses several times by hand. If the coolant level is low, add coolant. When it is full and will take no more, fill the reservoir to the full mark. Turn the heater on and start the engine. Allow it to reach operating temperature. Make sure the heater is producing heat as the engine warms up.

Next, allow the engine to cool off and check the level and top off as needed.

As far as tightening the clamp, there is no torque specification for this. Make it as tight as you can. When tight, you should not be able to turn or move it.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Joe

Hi,

Don't laugh, but I need to see under the red circle at the top. It looks like something has broken.

If you look at the attached pic, there should be like a barbed end on the connection which prevents the hose from coming off because the clamp can't fit over it when tightened. From what I see, it appears to have broken. Is a part of the connection still in the radiator?

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below / the highlighted portion is what appears to be missing.

Hi,

Yep, you can replace it. And you nailed it. It is simply called a thermostat housing.

As far as breaking, it is really odd that it did, but it's plastic so anything is possible. Is the broken part still inside the hose?

I attached the directions for replacing it below. If you look at pics 1 and 2, I highlighted points of interest. In pic 1, I highlighted the bolts holding it in place. Note: There is also an electrical connection that will need unplugged. In pic 2, I highlighted what is called a jiggle valve. That is on the thermostat itself (which I would replace at this point). Make sure that is positioned correctly. It allows air to exit the cooling system while refilling the coolant. If you point it directly down (6 o'clock) it will be very hard to bleed the system.

The worst part about this job is the starter needs to be removed. Make sure the negative battery terminal is disconnected before working on the starter.

Now, the housing won't be hard to find. It should be under 30.00 dollars. Make sure when reinstalling it to replace the thermostat gasket, which should come with the housing.

As far as aftermarket parts, I found that Dorman makes them for this vehicle. It is part number 902-5123. Chances are the dealership will no longer provide them because of the model year. Plus, it would be 3 times the cost. LOL

Please understand that I and this site has nothing to do with Dorman. I'm just suggesting it because I have always had luck with their parts. Also, most all parts stores will offer them. On the other hand, I don't suggest getting a really inexpensive one online. Often times they are too thick and brittle, and you'll end up with the same issues.

I'm here to help if you need me. Let me know if you run into trouble. Also, make sure to get a universal type of coolant when you refill the system. That way there won't be any issues.

Let me know how things turn out for you or if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Hi,

In most cases, the coolant would be drained from the vehicle. If you clamp the lower hose, any coolant above the housing will still leak. Is that what you mean?

Let me know what I can do to help.

Joe

Hi,

No, that needs to be replaced. An o-ring will slip off. The system will hold up to approximately 15 PSI of pressure.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe