Thermostat Question
 

Hey Everyone

I need to change my thermostat, because my engine is running cold. I think it's stuck open. I am getting horrible gas mileage (5-7 mpg) and my temp guage doesnt go up much at all. I think its at like 140-160 around there somewhere.

I've never done this job yet on any car, so does anyone have any advice on the procedure? Any tips, things I should keep note of? Ways to do it easier? Things I need to remove first?

Thanks alot

Kas

RE: Thermostat Question
 

I just did this last night and never thought to take pics.
Had the same problems on my '00 S10-Blazer. I also replaced the radiator cap. Use Stants for both the thermostat and rad cap.

How to do it, move anything out of hte way.
Take the two bolts out and lift off the housing.
Take thermostat out noting the direction it is in there.
Place new thermostat in teh same direction, make sure the rubber gasket in on completely.
Put housing back on, install the bolts, and replace anything else you removed.
About a 15 minute job.

Edit: By the way, my temp went back up to 195 (factory spec) heat is enough to roast you out of hte cab, and the world was right again.

RE: Thermostat Question
 

Hey thanks Hanr3


Were you also getting bad gas mileage? And if so, did changing the T-stat help?

RE: Thermostat Question
 

Here's a few tips I've got. Use a garden hose to flush the block, radiator, and heater core. Then use 1 gallon of distilled water through the heater core, 1 gallon through the radiator, and 2 gallons through the block and let everything drain again. Button everything back up and pour in 1.5 gallons of pure coolant (whatever you'd like to use, but I really like the Prestone Yellow Extended Life Coolant). Then top off with distilled water. The cooling system capacity is just below 3 gallons (11.7qts or something like that).

I think I bought 6 gallons of distilled water (~$1.25 each) and 2 gallons of coolant. And ofcourse, the stant safety cap and 195F t-stat. I ended up drinking 1 gallon of the water cause it was hot as hell when I serviced the cooling system on my Bravada.

RE: Thermostat Question
 

Oh what great joy it is to have my truck as an oven! I just changed the t-stat tonite. Thanks for the advice guys. The truck runs normal temp now and hopefully i'll be getting decent gas mileage. The world is right again, Hanr3!

RE: Thermostat Question
 

lol
Not so bad now was it?