How do you change a thermostat in a 1992 Chevy Caprice 350 ci TBI?

Answer 1

Follow the top radiator hose back to the engine. The metal housing where the radiator hose connects to the engine also contains the thermostat. Remove the two bolts that hold the housing but before you pull the thermostat make sure you pay close attention to the way the old one is installed. The new one must be installed properly or it won't work! If you have any questions or doubts, look closely at the new thermostat. Often they have an arrow or other indicator that tells you which side goes to the engine. Just be certain to clean both surfaces well and if there is much pitting or other irregularities in the mating surfaces you'll need to use a little gasket sealer to hold the new gasket in place and seal everything up. Be careful so that you don't get debris inside the water jacket of the engine. It's a relatively easy job and shouldn't take too long, about a half hour for your first one. The thermostat is located on the top center of the engine block at the end of the upper radiator hose. You do not need to drain the radiator to do this but a little will still spill. Remove the two bolts and then the thermostat. Be sure to look to see which way it was installed as it is easy to install them backwards. Use Blue RTV to seal the gasket. Coat the mounting surfaces on the cover and on the engine mount, let skim for 15 minutes then put the gasket in place and reassemble. I did mention to clean the surfaces well first didn't I? Run until engine is hot to check for leaks and top off your coolant reservior and you are GTG. VBdenny