Where does the thermostat go in a 1989 4-cyl Dodge Dakota? Also install tips please?

Question

I've had this truck as a spare for a few months.
The engine never heats up (much) and found a thermostat in glove box - so I suspect it has none in it...

I bought one along with some tune-up parts, but never got around to having mechanic replace it.

Due to problems with other my Dakota, I would like to get the thermostat installed. So - where does it go?
I figure somewhere between the engine and the radiator.

I'd like to know where exactly so I don't have to remove every hose and then have it wrong. Also, which way does it face?

I don't have any spare antifreeze, and it's 20 miles to nearest store. I need to get it inspected first for plates and don't want to get stopped every 10 minutes while in town.

Also, therefore don't need to be told that I should have someone else do it - as that's not an option.

So, I'll also have to catch the antifreeze and reuse it.
Where to place pan and how big do I need?

Wow good details!

Better work on battery first however.
Need to have something running out here - even if badly! We can work on 86 Ram D-50 that won't start either next ;)

I guess I should have mentioned that if it's 20 miles to nearest antifreeze, it's also that far to a mechanic - and being retired on fixed income, I thought that a 40 mile round trip house call might be a bit expensive - but maybe the first guy is very reasonably priced...?

Know where drain is, had little plastic part it screws into break out of the blue around a month ago. Good think I had spare radiator with one in it for mechanic to replace.
However, that exhausted my stock of anti-freeze and I haven't had a chance to re-stock yet.

I think I might have some of that red stuff, but that will take a bit of looking.
Let me look at the new thermostat and see if it came with a gasket.

OK. I can see how that housing looks like it'd hold a thermostat. Now if I can just find the thermostat...

Well, when I find it, I'm sure I can do it now.
Thanks much to all!

It won't let me choose a best answer yet. Gotta wait 4 hours.

I sure thought it was in there with the rest (plugs, wires, cap, rotor, oil, oil filter).
Last oil I changed was in a '67 beetle - assume that's the same...

Anyway, I noticed that I the GFCI for my pump-house was tripped and after I got that going, the bulbs to heat it weren't lit.

But, it's only getting down to 33 degrees tonight, so I'll start work on that tomorrow instead (it's like a giant dog house (3x4x3') on a base that I have to lift straight up by myself).

Answer 1

Follow the top radiator hose from the radiator to the engine.
The thermostat housing will be what the hose is clamped to at the engine. The hosing will have 1 clamp to hold the hose to it. The housing will have 1 to 3 bolts holding it to the engine. Remove those 2 to 3 bolts and pull the housing off the engine. You may have to pry it a little to get it off,or tap it with a hammer. Don't get crazy with it. The housing is only made of aluminum and you don't want to break it.Remove thermostat. It may be in the engine or the housing. Depends on what it stuck to when you pulled it apart, remove old gasket material from housing and engine. Replace new gasket if they have one. If not your gonna have to get some RTV BLUE, Or RTV RED to put around the base of it to make a seal. when you squeeze it out of the tube on the thermostat housing let it sit for about 5 to 10 mins to let it skin over a little. Install new thermostat! The end with the big spring on it goes toward the engine. It is possible to install it upside down. So just remember the side with the big spring goes in the engine and not the thermostat housing that's still attached to the hose. Then install housing and don't over tighten it. Rule of thumb. Tighten it till you feel the housing making contact with the engine and turning the bolt is finally feeling like it's tightening. Then go 1/4 turn more. It will keep you from stripping the aluminum threads,or cracking the thermostat housing.
You said you wanted detail

Answer 2

To drain the radiator, locate the draincock on the lower edge of the radiator. They often seize, and can also fool people as to which way to turn to open. You will have to figure that out as it all depends on which way you are looking at it.

Look at the radiator and find the upper rad hose. It's the inch and a half OR BIGGER hose coming off the rad. Follow the hose back to the engine, and you should find that it is connected to the thermostat housing. One side of the thermostat has a pellet, the other is pointed (like an arrow). Install the thermostat so the pellet is in the engine, and the pointed end points toward the radiator.

Answer 3

Dude, it sounds like you have more problems than just where the thermostat goes. Sounds like you don't want good, sound advise either, especially if you don't want the advise of letting someone else do the job for you. That's just common sense if you don't have a clue as to what you are doing.

Guessing somewhere between the engine and radiator is definately not having a clue, and please accept that as constructive critizism.

First, I'd advise you to go to your local auto parts store and purchase the repair manual for your Dodge.

While you are there, pick up a new thermostat and gaskets as well as the 50/50 antifreeze mix you will need to do the job.

When you get home and have read through the proper procedures for draining your cooling system, replacing your thermostat, and refiling the system, you ought to be able to replace the thermostat without any problems.

Also, dont assume the stat you found is new. Assume it is junk and do with it what you do with most junk...toss it.

Hope this advice helps.

Answer 4

The easiest way to determine the location of the thermostat is to follow the upper radiator hose to the engine the first metal part that the hose is attached to is usually the thermostats housing. As for the orientation of the thermostat the spring side goes into the block and the point points towards the radiator.

Answer 5

I extremely have never heard of the call Cree, yet I extremely have wide-spread numerous Dakota's and the two boys and females. And none have community American, that i be attentive to of. yet, you could not consistently tell by technique of their visual appeal.

Answer 6

Go to autozone.com and click on Repair Info then click on products and how to info then click on thermostat and then click on replace and it will give you step by step on it.