How do you change the thermostat on a 2001 Chevy Blazer?

Answer 1

1.) Drain ALL coolant from the engine via the lower radiator hose or drain plug. It is NOT completely necessary to drain ALL coolant. You can drain .5 Gal to 1 full gallon of coolant from your system. (Just make sure the vehicle has been sitting for a while so you don't get hot engine coolant on you, it burns!)

2.) Follow upper radiator hose to the intake manifold (the thermostat should be located toward the top front of the intake manifold.)

3.) Unbolt the housing (You can keep the hose connect or you can disconnect it, your choice)

4.) Once the housing is unbolted, you can remove it. (If your having trouble removing the housing, you can lightly pry on the bottom base of the housing, until removed freely)

5.) Once the housing is removed, the thermostat will Be visible. Remove the thermostat and make sure you take notice how it is place in the intake manifold.

6.) Replace the thermostat with the new one, be sure to use the new rubber O-Ring given with the new thermostat.

7.) Bolt the housing back into place along with the radiator hose securely tightened to the housing.

8.) MAKE SURE THE DRAIN PLUG AT THE BOTTOM OF THE RADIATOR IS SHUT

9.) Add coolant as needed to the radiator via the radiator cap AND put some in the overflow reservoir

10.) Start the engine and keep a close eye out for leaks around the thermostat housing and fill the overflow reservoir as needed. Remember, you emptied out coolant, you need to replace it as the air pockets are pushed through your cooling system.

11.) Take it for a drive (4-5 miles) and then check for leaks again. If there are none, you're all done!

Just an FYI. It is best to keep an eye on it for about a week. Check it periodically. The gasket needs to set in when the engine is heating up and cooling down so leaks may not appear immediately after replacement.