Home - About me - Contact Information - Freelancing - My Bronco - Music - Links -Make Money Reading Email!


Cooling System Hose/Thermostat Change

Most hose manufacturers will recommend changing all the hoses every four years, I have to agree that this is a good idea.  I also changed the thermostat this time around because I didn't know if it had ever been done, and summer gets pretty warm around here.  I can't publicly recommend brands, but if you email me, I'll tell you my opinion.
 
 
 
 

Time to do

2 to 3 hours

Tools required

standard socket set
1/2" open end wrench
locking pliers
slotted screwdriver
gasket scraper
drain pan
utility knife
hose cutter

Parts required

upper radiator hose
lower radiator hose
6' - 5/8" heater hose
water pump to intake bypass hose
throttle body to intake hose
4 - 2 1/2"  hose clamps
8 - 5/8" hose clamps
thermostat
thermostat housing gasket
2 gallons - coolant
1 gallon - water (preferably distilled)
1 tube - non hardening sealant

Cost

about $ 50 - $75


 

Before you tear into your truck, please read my legal disclaimer !

 




Step #1

Obviously, the first thing you need to do is drain the cooling system.  You might want to run the engine with a radiator flushing fluid, make sure you run the heater and the thermostat opens.  The petcock is on the passenger side of the radiator and drains out a tube on the side of it.  I put a 6" piece of fuel line here so the coolant drains into the pan.  You can also drain the system by removing the lower radiator hose, but it's a little messier.

Step #2

The next step is to remove all the old hoses.  The upper and lower radiator hoses can be reached from the top fairly easily.  I usually throw away the old clamps (especially if they're factory clamps).  You might have to twist off the old hoses or cut a slit perpendicular to the end of the hose and slide it off of the opening.  The heater hoses extend from the heater core to the intake manifold and a hard line next to the alternator.  The bypass hose is about six inches and goes from the water pump to a pipe on the intake manifold.  There is another hose that extends from the intake to the throttle body.  There are a couple more hoses, but replacing them would also involve replaceing hard lines, which can get expensive.  If you want to replace them, the procedure is pretty much the same.

Step #3

The next step is removing the thermostat housing and theromostat.  There are two bolts that secure the housing.  You might need an open-ended wrench to remove the bolts.  You might also need a pliers to remove the thermostat from the housing or intake manifold depending on if it sticks to anything.  Use a gasket scraper or putty knife to clean the sealing surfaces.

Step #4

I would take this oppertuntity to wash out the radiator and engine with a garden hose.  DO NOT SPRAY COLD WATER INTO A WARM OR HOT ENGINE .   Don't let your engine sit with plain water in it for a long time or rust may start to form.

Step #5

Next, you want to install the new thermostat.  It should hold itself in the housing, but some aftermarket ones might not.  Just use the non-hardening silicon to hold it in place.  Put silicon on both sides of the gasket and reinstall the housing, thermostat and gasket.

Step #6

The next step is intalling all the new hoses.  Put some non hardening sealant on the inside of the ends of the hoses.  Don't worry if there is a metal spring in the lower radiator hose, that is supposed to be there to keep it from collapsing.  Just put all the new hoses where you took the old ones off.  Use worm style hose clamps to install the new hoses with.

Step #7

Wait at least one hour after installing the thermostat housing to put coolant in the system.  The best mix for coolant is 70% Ethelyne Glycol and 30% water.  This will give you the best freeze protection.  Do not use less than a 50/50 mixture or corrosion might be a problem.

Step #8

Start the truck  and let it warm up until the thermostat opens.  Watch the temperature gauge closely, if it starts to get real warm, shut it off and let it sit for a little bit.  Usually there are some air pockets trapped in the system and it's best to work them out before you put the truck under a lot of stress.

Step #9

Check for leaks and make sure your radiator is full and overflow bottle is filled to spec.

Step #10

HAVE FUN!!!!!!!
 

Back to the Bronco page


If you like music, this place has it all!


 

 

2000 Kevin Long klong@wesware.comlegal disclaimer