How do you change a thermostat on a 1997 Chevy Astro van?

Answer 1

My van is a 1996 with a 4.3L so assuming you have a 4.3L which you probably do. The top radiator hose will lead you right to the t-stat housing. I am assuming you are talking about the t-stat for your radiator and not the t-stat for your A/C or any other t-stat. Just find the top radiator house and follow it to the engine. It connects to the t-stat housing at the top front of the engine. The housing is connected via 2 bolts. Remove the air cleaner assembly and the top half of the fan shroud (If yours is like my 1996, the fan shroud has a top half and a bottom half) to gain easier access. Kudos to the GM engineer that designed the 2-piece fan shroud!! You might as well go ahead and change your upper and lower radiator hoses and water pump by-pass hose while you are at it if you haven't already. .