How to Change thermostat on 2001 aztek?

Answer 1

Please take it in. You have to take the exhaust crossover pipe off to get the thermostat in and out and you can't get at half the bolts.

You also need to remove the throttle body and will need a new gasket because the old one will crack and fall apart.

Answer 2

Go buy a Haynes Auto repair Manual.

Consult your local library's on line resources for auto repair.

Disconnect the battery.

Wait (overnight) till the engine is stone cold.

Make sure you have the correct 't-stat' installing a cooler 't-stat' won't make your engine run cooler; it just opens earlier. The rating the MFR used on your vehilce is usually the BEST one so changing the rating isn't a good idea. Normal op temp is 195 to 210 or so. Oil works best in this range.

Make sure you have the correct gasket for your application BEFORE you leave the parts store. Get some gaket dressing, the people at the store can give you a reccomendation as to which one to use.

Removing/loosening engine cooling system hoses and thermostat housings can cause a loss of coolant; be prepared to capture and dispose of this coolant in a environmentally responsible way.

Usually the upper radiator hose leads to the top of the engine; it's under this fitting or HOUSING that the upper hose connects to is where the thermostat is housed. Usually 2 bolts hold it all down. Remove the upper hose from the hosing. Take note of clock position of the housing, which way is the tip pointing? Also note what bolt came from what hole; this is impotant if they are different from each other.

Remove the bolts, you may need to gently bump the housing to knock it loose from the intake manifold.

Clean the old gasket/dressing from where the housing sat, becareful not to gouge the metal; use a gasket scrapper or razor bade in a proper razor blade holder; clean the housing of old gasket/dressing as well being careful as it too is a flat surface. A tooth brush style wire brush is handy for this too.

Apply the gasket dressing to the housing then after placing the gasket on the housing apply the dressing to the remaining side of the gasket.

Place the housing in proper alignment on (clock position) the intake manifold; install the 2 bolts in the same holes they were in before; tighten down to reasonable (the intake is probably aluminum) tightness (torque) is important; there is a torque spec. in the manual so.....

Go buy a Haynes Auto repair Manual.

Consult your local library's on line resources for auto repair for this information.

Re-install the hose, tightned the hose clamp, start engine and run till operational temperature is reached all the while checking for leaks. Add coolant as nessesary through the overflow tank. Clean up your mess, go wash your hands; you're done.