Changing t-stat

[simone0414]

Going to change my t-stat. Got a 203 one with a new housing from the Dieselsite. From what I have read you pretty much have to drain the rad to change it. Figured that anyway. What's the procedure for getting air out once refilled? Is there a bleeder valve/screw or do you just leave the degass bottle cap off & let it run for a while? Or does it bleed itself?

[elibenson]

I just pull the upper hose where the thermostat housing is, and let it drain to that level. You don't have to drain the whole thing. It will be a little messy, but you can change the t-stat, put the hose back on, and re-fill. Rinse the belt with water to get the antifreeze off of it. Then fill the system slowly with distilled water and antifreeze in equal parts. It pretty much self bleeds as you fill it. The coolant bottle is the highest part of the system, so the air goes there to escape. squeezing the upper hose will pump the air out faster too.

[NCHornet]

203 Thermostat = Placebo, sorry but 8 degrees ain't going to make any difference and they aren't cheap. Live and learn, but het you got a sharp looking housing. What color did you get? As for install place a 5 gal bucket under the drain valve on the drivers side of the rad. Fill the bucket half full, then replace the thermostat, and I would also change the upper rad hose to the one used on the dual alt set up that goes around the fan belt and not through it!! Adding a coolant filter and switching to a true ELC coolant would be a good idea to, but that is another thread. reinstall and fill back with fluid, you won't loose a drop. Make you check your SCA level if you haven't lately.

NCH

[tubular031]

Originally Posted by NCHornet

Make you check your SCA level if you haven't lately.

NCH

Where is a good place to buy the little test strips? I really need to check mine or just flush the coolant and put the cat stuff in there!

[NCHornet]

Napa has them, but check the exp date. They are only good for a short time. My Napa had to order three different times before I got good ones. Then switch to the Fleetrite coolant and never have to check it again!!

NCH