installing thermostat

mrnickleye · 11-29-2006, 06:25 AM

Just put a catch pan under the thermo area to save what spills out. For winter heater use, I use a 195* thermo.

Cut the little dangly off the thermo, and put the hole to the top, with the spring towards the firewall.

Drilling the hole to 4mm helps get the air out of the system. Our cars a NOTORIOUS for getting air in the heater core, cause its the highest spot in the system.

I change from 180* to 195* every 6 months, and by drilling that hole 4mm, I have never had the air pocket problem. You may hear the 'under dash' gurgle some, but the air will bleed out over a few days of driving.

Use a thin coating of silicone gasket sealer on the new rubber gasket, to prevent the NOTORIOUS drizzle/leakage.

After you are all done, start the motor and slowly refilled the system w/coolant, leaving the level to "just" above the core tubes. Let the engine idle for 10-20 min., keeping the level as mentioned. When you start to feel the hot water flow thru the top hose, give it a 2-3k rev on/off a couple times every minute or 2. This will help purge most of the air.

Finish topping up the radiator and install the NEW cap.

Fill the bottle 3/4 full, and check/fill it in the morning to insure you don't run out. The cold engine will suck coolant back into it over night.

11-29-2006, 06:25 AM	#3
mrnickleye 1000whp postwhore Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Mojave Desert, Calif. Posts: 1,705	Trust Me Just put a catch pan under the thermo area to save what spills out. For winter heater use, I use a 195* thermo. Cut the little dangly off the thermo, and put the hole to the top, with the spring towards the firewall. Drilling the hole to 4mm helps get the air out of the system. Our cars a NOTORIOUS for getting air in the heater core, cause its the highest spot in the system. I change from 180* to 195* every 6 months, and by drilling that hole 4mm, I have never had the air pocket problem. You may hear the 'under dash' gurgle some, but the air will bleed out over a few days of driving. Use a thin coating of silicone gasket sealer on the new rubber gasket, to prevent the NOTORIOUS drizzle/leakage. After you are all done, start the motor and slowly refilled the system w/coolant, leaving the level to "just" above the core tubes. Let the engine idle for 10-20 min., keeping the level as mentioned. When you start to feel the hot water flow thru the top hose, give it a 2-3k rev on/off a couple times every minute or 2. This will help purge most of the air. Finish topping up the radiator and install the NEW cap. Fill the bottle 3/4 full, and check/fill it in the morning to insure you don't run out. The cold engine will suck coolant back into it over night. __________________ Had a Red 1989 N/A. Automatic. Sports Pkg. w/wing. TEMS, and some nice MODS. Sold to a friend 10/08/08. Last edited by mrnickleye; 11-29-2006 at 06:32 AM.