Thermostats help to control your engine temperature. The thermostat reacts at certain temperatures, allowing for expansion of the overheated fluid. The Ford Taurus locates the thermostat in the lower radiator hose. Replacement is not difficult but takes time. You will need to refill the radiator with a proper mix of 50 percent coolant and 50 percent water. Auto parts stores carry premixed coolant.
The easiest way to drain your radiator is with your vehicle elevated. Drive the car onto vehicle ramps or raise both front wheels with jacks. Use your emergency brake, and allow the engine to cool down before draining the coolant. The flush valve is on the bottom, passenger side of the radiator. Connect a length of rubber tubing to the outlet and drain the radiator. The radiator holds about 10 quarts. Never reuse coolant, and do not pour it down a drain. Tire and lube shops will dispose of the liquid properly.
The DOHC 3.0L engine on the Taurus places the thermostat on the engine at the upper intake to the water pump. Trace the upper radiator hose from the radiator to the engine and you'll go directly to the thermostat. The hose readily disconnects with a screwdriver. Loosen the clamp and pry off the hose. The inlet to the water pump fastens on with three bolts. The thermostat is inside the pump. Remove the inlet and thermostat. Scrape off the remaining gasket material from the water pump. Always install a new gasket. The jiggle valve, marked on the thermostat, must be in the "up" position.
The DOHC 3.0L engine places the thermostat in the lower inlet valve. The thermostat sandwiches between the lower inlet housing and the upper inlet housing. Two bolts hold it together beneath the lower inlet housing. Remove the water hose in the same manner as the OHV, and disconnect the two retaining bolts. The thermostat sits on the lower inlet housing with the spring facing up. Install a new O-ring. The upper inlet valve housing connects to the manifold with a bracket. Work with the lower inlet valve housing, leaving the upper intact.
