How do I put a thermostat in my car?

Question

First of all how much would it cost for me to do it myself or how much would it cost to have it profesional done. My secound question is how do i find my thermostat and how do i take it off? I have heard that it is easy to do but I dont know where to start. If someone could tell me how to take it off and put a new one in that would be great. How long will this take to do. I have off tomorow so i will do it then. PLEASE HELP

THANK YOU for all your help everyone I really appreciate it!!!!

sorry forgot to put that it is a 97 ford taurus

Answer 1

If it's equipped with the 3.0L OHV, follow the upper rad hose to the thermostat housing, directly under the throttle body. There are three 8mm bolts that secure the housing to the intake manifold. Install the new thermostat with the bleed hole UP (the 12 o'clock position). Hope this helps.

Answer 2

First answer is good. he didn't explain where exactly. It is easy. Follow the top hose on your radiator to the engine block. There should be an elbow shaped fitting with two bolts. The thermostat is about $5-$15, the gasket is $2. If the car was warm enough last winter get the thermostat in the same temp rating.

Make the surface of the block and the elbow fitting clean. Don't gouge the metal with a screwdriver. Ask the parts house if you need sealant.

BE SURE and note how the old thermostat sat in the hole. Some shade tree mechanics put the thermostat in upside down. Make sure the elbow is totally flat on the gasket -- no metal or screws holding it off the block before you finger tighten and then wrench it down. Modern cars can have aluminum parts. Not overtight.

Answer 3

You need to find where the waterneck is on the manifold of your Taurus. The thermostat should be sitting right there under the hose where it connects on the manifold. Cost for the part should be about $5-$10. Saving your knuckles from getting busted up and using a professional to install will run you about another $85. Should be about a half hour job.

Answer 4

Cost about $5. With the engine cold, follow the top radiator hose over to the engine. Where it connects is the Thermostat. Disconnect the hose and remove the two bolts. The new Thermostat come with a gasket.

Answer 5

I don't have experience with your particular car but most thermostat replacements are relatively easy. They are usually right up front on top. Usually just remove two bolts
and remove the housing and thermostat. Then you MUST
clean the mating surfaces on both the engine and housing. Then just drop in the new thermostat and apply sealant (RTV) to the housing and reinstall.

Answer 6

There are several different engines in that car. The most common is the 3.0L single cam. Labor time is 1.1 hours.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y22/tech30528/62444280.gif

This is the 3.0L twin cam, 1.3 hours.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y22/tech30528/62444281.gif

And the SHO 3.4L, 1.8 hours.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y22/tech30528/62444282.gif