THERMOSTAT REPLACEMENT FOR 4.6 SOHC MUSTANG
This simple little mod will surprise you with excellent cooling results! My temperature went from being on the M of "NORMAL" to
staying between the N and the O. Occasionally the temperature will rise higher, but not for long. I decided to write out my own thermo
replacement how-to because I still had a few questions after reading some of the others that weren't answered until I finished the project.
Anyway, I hope to be as clear as possible and answer most questions.
What you will need:
A standard socket set
A clean drain pan
1 foot of 3/8 inch hose (optional)
180 degree thermostat (available almost anywhere)
WARNING: ALLOW YOUR ENGINE TO COOL OFF quite a bit before you attempt this. The anti-freeze/coolant mixture WILL get on your hands
at some point and might burn you.
Step 1: Locate your thermostat housing. It's inside the elbow at the end of the TOP main radiator hose connected to your plastic (laugh)
intake.
Step 2: Locate the radiator drain-cock. As you're facing the vehicle, it's on the bottom left corner of your radiator. There is a little spigot
that you will connect the hose to which will make LESS of a mess. Once the vehicle has cooled off, twist the knob and drain the coolant
into the clean drain pan so it can be reused. Drain only as much as needed to empty the top radiator hose. The coolant will NOT ONLY
come out of the spigot, but will come out of the knob as well so be careful. Close it up once you feel the hose is empty.
Step 3: Loosen the two bolts that connect the elbow to the intake housing. Lift off the elbow to reveal the thermostat. There is NO reason
to disconnect the elbow from the radiator hose so don't give yourself the extra work.
Step 4: Remove the rubber O-Ring and SAVE IT. It will be reused with the NEW thermostat.
Step 5: Observe how the old thermostat (probably Motorcraft 195) is facing and replace it with the new one. The
O-Ring will then go ON TOP of the new thermostat.
Step 6: Re-attach the thermostat housing tightly, but don't over-tighten the bolts! This is a plastic intake remember!
Step 7: Refill the radiator with coolant until full and close the cap.
Step 8: Run the vehicle for a few minutes and inspect for any leaks in the thermostat housing AND the drain-cock underneath. Also check
the coolant level to make up for any coolant that may have been spilt or lossed.
Step 9: Clean up any spilled anti-freeze to keep small animals from getting a nasty surprise.
I hope this spells out things very clear and if you have any questions feel free to email me: -The Beast
