QuestionQUESTION: i just need to figure out if i can do this thanks brian
ANSWER: kinda hard for me to tell u any thing with out knowing what kinda car or truck or van u have dont u think?
Need year,and engine size.
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QUESTION: Sorry about that, It's a Dodge Ram 3500, 1995, with a 318 engine. How complicated is it to change the thermostat? Thanks again, Brian
AnswerTHERMOSTAT - 3.9L V-6 OR 5.2/5.9L V-8
REMOVAL
WARNING: DO NOT LOOSEN THE RADIATOR DRAINCOCK WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND PRESSURIZED. SERIOUS BURNS FROM THE COOLANT CAN OCCUR.
Do not waste reusable coolant. If the solution is clean, drain the coolant into a clean container for reuse.
If the thermostat is being replaced, be sure that the replacement is the specified thermostat for the vehicle model and engine type.
Factory installed thermostat housings on 3.9L V-6 or 5.2/5.9L V-8 engines are installed on a gasket with an anti-stick coating. This will aid in gasket removal and cleanup.
Disconnect negative battery cable at battery.
Drain cooling system until coolant level is below thermostat. Refer to Draining Cooling System in this group. If not equipped with air conditioning, proceed to step number 4.
If equipped with air conditioning:
Remove the support bracket (rod) located near the rear of generator Support Bracket - Generator Mounting Bracket-to-Intake Manifold - Typical
The drive belt must be removed. Refer to Belt Removal/Installation in the Engine Accessory Drive Belt section of this group.
The generator must be partially removed. Remove the two generator mounting bolts. Do not remove any wiring at generator. If equipped with 4WD, unplug the 4WD indicator lamp wiring harness (located near rear of generator)
Remove generator. Position generator to gain access for thermostat gasket removal
WARNING: CONSTANT TENSION HOSE CLAMPS ARE USED ON MOST COOLING SYSTEM HOSES. WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING, USE ONLY TOOLS DESIGNED FOR SERVICING THIS TYPE OF CLAMP, SUCH AS SPECIAL CLAMP TOOL (NUMBER 6094) Hose Clamp Tool - Typical SNAP-ON CLAMP TOOL (NUMBER HPC-20) MAY BE USED FOR LARGER CLAMPS. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN SERVICING CONSTANT TENSION CLAMPS.
CAUTION: A number or letter is stamped into the tongue of constant tension clamps Clamp Number/Letter Location If replacement is necessary, use only an original equipment clamp with a matching number or letter.
Remove upper radiator hose clamp. Remove upper radiator hose at thermostat housing.
Position the wiring harness (behind the thermostat housing) to gain access to thermostat housing.
Remove thermostat housing mounting bolts, thermostat housing, gasket and thermostat Thermostat - 3.9L V-6 or 5.2/5.9L V-8 Gas Engines Discard old gasket
INSTALLATION
Clean mating areas of intake manifold and thermostat housing.
Install thermostat (spring side down) into recessed machined groove on intake manifold Thermostat - 3.9L V-6 or 5.2/5.9L V-8 Gas Engines
Install gasket on intake manifold and over thermostat Thermostat - 3.9L V-6 or 5.2/5.9L V-8 Gas Engines
Position the thermostat housing to the intake manifold. Note the word FRONT stamped on the housing Thermostat Position - 3.9L V-6 or 5.2/5.9L V-8 Gas Engines For adequate clearance, this must be placed towards the front of vehicle. The housing should be slightly angled forward after installation to intake manifold
Install two housing-to-intake manifold bolts. Tighten bolts to 23 N·m (200 in. lbs.) torque
CAUTION: Housing must be tightened evenly and thermostat must be centered into recessed groove in intake manifold. If not, it may result in a cracked housing, damaged intake manifold threads or coolant leak.
Install upper radiator hose to thermostat housing.
Air conditioned vehicles:
Install generator. Tighten bolts to 41 N·m (30 ft. lbs.) torque.
Install support bracket (generator mounting bracket-to-intake manifold) Support Bracket - Generator Mounting Bracket-to-Intake Manifold - Typical Tighten bolts to 54 N·m (40 ft. lbs.) torque
CAUTION: When installing the serpentine accessory drive belt, the belt must be routed correctly. If not, the engine may overheat due to the water pump rotating in the wrong direction. Refer to Belt Schematics in the Engine Accessory Drive Belt section of this group for correct engine belt routing. The correct belt with the correct length must be used.
Fill cooling system. Refer to Refilling Cooling System in this group.
Connect negative battery cable to battery.
Start and warm engine. Check for leaks.
