Overheating, how to replace the thermostat?

Hi,

Replacing the thermostat isn't a difficult job. You will need to drain the radiator. There is a petcock at the bottom that you loosen and the coolant will drain.

Also, two things to remember. There is a bleeder valve on the thermostat (some refer to it as a jiggle valve). Make sure that it is in the 12 o'clock position when you install it. If it isn't in that position, bleeding air from the system is more difficult. Additionally, make sure to lubricate the new o-rings with coolant before installing.

Here is a link that is a little more detailed. It explains in general how to replace one, but it isn't specific to your vehicle. You may find it helpful as a guide. The second pic shows the drain I mentioned. Yours may not be at the same spot, but it will be at the bottom of the radiator.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

If you look at the pics below, I attached the directions specific to your vehicle.

Let me know if this helps or if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Okay, I changed the thermostat and put coolant in and started the car and it still overheated but when it overheated the temperature gauge was at normal at the middle, I do have a bad radiator cap. Could that be my problem??

Yes, I just changed out the thermostat and the car still overheats, but with the temperature gauge reading normal. I know I have a bad radiator cap, could it be that? Let me know, thanks.

Hi,

if the temperature gauge was at normal, are you sure it overheated? We could have a different problem.

Tell me what happened to cause you to believe it overheated and how long it took to happen. Additionally, see if the heater is working.

To answer your question, if the radiator cap is it could allow the coolant to boil at a lower temperature. When the system pressurizes, it actually increases the boiling point.

Also, when you installed the new thermostat, was the bleed valve on the thermostat at 12 o'clock? Also, how did you bleed air from the cooling system?

Let me know.

Joe

I saw the reservoir and the water was bubbling and stem and took about 15 minutes or so.

Hi,

That certainly sounds like it was overheating. However, there could be a failed head gasket allowing compressed air to enter the cooling system and causing this to happen. If the temperature gauge is showing a normal temperature, that would make sense to me.

Take a look at this link, it explains how to check for possible head gasket issues:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

When you look at the link, go down to step 3.

Let me know.

Joe

It was the radiator cap that's why it was overheating.

Hi,

Thank you for the update. I'm glad to know it was an easy fix and you have resolved the issue.

Take care and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe