This is easier than I thought it would be. Took about 20-30 mins. The housing itself is not attached to the block or any stationary object under the hood. It is actually held up and in place by the 4 hoses that attach to it. Remove the hose clamps and the hoses and the thermostat housing will just come out.
Scott Fuller
1993 Lincoln Mark VIII owner
In the thermostat housing
On the drivers' side, back of the battery and look down. Two piece housing.
up
Bad thermostat?
It is under the power steering reservoir and can be removed by removing two bolts. It has three hoses going to it
http://www.markviii.org/LOD2/Thermostat.htm
On your 1994 MERCURY TRACER, the THERMOSTAT is: UNDER HOOD, DRIVER SIDE, UPPER ENGINE AREA, ENGINE END OF UPPER RADIATOR HOSE, MOUNTED IN COOLANT OUTLET HOUSING. The upper radiator hose will lead you to the thermostat housing as described above. It is much easier to access if you remove the distributor which sits above the thermostat. Mark your plug wires if you unplug them.
This link has detailed instructions and photos http:/www.lincolnvscadillac.com/tech/lincoln-mark-viii/Thermostat-Replacement/index.htm
put it up on ramps or jack up the driver's side front wheel. the thermostat is found in a small assembly on the driver's side in front of the motor. it has three to four coolant hoses attached to it and three bolts to take it apart.
First off drain the radiator it would be a good time to replace the coolant. Remove upper hose at engine,thermostat is in housing at engine side of upper hose. Remove bypass hose on housing from water pump remove two bolts holding housing in place. replace thermostat with 192 degree thermostat. Now this is important clean both sufaces block and housing and install thermostat in housing with copper end at side that will go in engine Get yourself some Super Weatherstrip adhesive at any parts store and glue gasket over thermostat to housing do not use rtv it is too slippery and thermostat will not stay in groove and you will install it and have a leak. If bolts are cruddy clean them with wire brush and install housing with thermostat in block it can be difficult to get bolts in just be patient I turn distributor to give me more access but if you don't have access to a timing light it might be easier to not move it. Remember to install bypass hose. Now with housing in place and tightened get a cup and pour some anti freeze in housing to check for leaks if fluid level doesn't drop reinstall upper hose mix anti freeze 50/50 fill radiator let run wait for thermostat to open and refill to proper level close cap and your done.
Open the hood, stand facing the engine. On the drivers' side follow the top radiator hose to where you see a junction with 2 bolts, there is where the thermostat is.
It should be within the water outlet which is attached to the lower end of the top radiator hose. Mark If the 96 millennia has a 2.3 engine, the thermostat is in the bottom radiator hose at the housing on the block.