Is it difficult to change the thermostat on a 1994 Ford E-150 Econoline van 5.8 V8 EFI HD?

Answer 1

1. LIFT THE HOOD AND PROP IT UP 2. REMOVE THE AIR CLEANER AND ALL OF THE AIR CLEANER HOSES (KEEP TRACK OF WHERE THEY BELONG)

3. Drain coolant from radiator into appropriate container (if more than 2 years old, properly discard and replace with new coolant, either ready to use or straight anti-freeze using distilled water only). Note: Use of tap water will cause radiator and heater core failure and possibly engine and transmission damage from overheating.

4. Remove serpentine belt and idler pulley (improves access to thermostat housing retention bolts).

5. Remove upper radiator hose and by-pass hose (recommend you replace the upper hose and by-pass hose on re-assembly).

6. Remove the thermostat housing with as gentle pressure as possible to the bolts. These vehicles have an aluminum intake manifold and there is a danger of dissimilar metal corrosion weakening the bolts and making it very easy to twist them off leaving a portion in the manifold (major problem).

7. Assuming no problems with the bolts grab the neck of the thermostat housing and break the gasket cement seal. Once off the old thermostat is easily removed.

8. Remove old gasket and gasket sealer material from both surfaces with a proper scraping tool.

9. Install new thermostat with pointed portion facing outward from engine using new gasket and appropriate gasket cement/sealer.

Reinstall idler pulley and serpentine belt (check for excessive cracking on underside of belt and replace if any portion has gaps in the ridges or if has been in service more than 40,000 miles of driving.

Re-install hoses using new hose clamps ( new hoses and clamps are recommended).

Re-install air intake hoses (check air filter for need of replacement) Check to make sure radiator drain valve is closed.

Fill radiator with proper amount of coolant.