New thermostat install

[andrewjscott]

(Noob alert)
I need to install my new thermostat - have never done one before. Is it easy? Where is the thermostat located? How much time should I set aside for the job?

 

[andrewjscott]

Just noticed that this section is not for questions. fail

 

[SHOdded]

Do a search on "thermostat install", and you will see plenty of topics discussing this. The thermostat is located on the right side of the engine, near the right side of the radiator (all as you look at the car from the front), behind the ignition coil and kind of under the throttle body.

Be sure to install one with a jiggle valve, valve pointed to the 12 o'clock position. Also burp the system to get rid of air prior to finishing the job.

Check the upper radiator hose (attached to the thermostat housing) for integrity. That is the one that usually goes, if it goes.

 

[Bizzy]

(Noob alert)
I need to install my new thermostat - have never done one before. Is it easy? Where is the thermostat located? How much time should I set aside for the job?

Quite easy. It's on the driver's side underneath the throttle body. Just follow the upper radiator hose to the t-stat housing. You'll want to remove the TB cover and TB so you have easier access to the bolts that hold it in place. The TB can be taken off as a whole assembly (with cables attached) and the TB gasket can be reused as long as you take care when removing it.

Time to do the job will depend on how handy you are with tools and how familiar you are with the car. Someone who's done the job before could do it in probably 20 minutes or less, but take your time, it's not a race and you want to do the job properly.

I was looking for an image to post that would help you with the job, but couldn't find one. I'm sure if you search other posts on the forum you might find one. I'll try to get a pic later for you after it stops raining.

 

[EL SHO]

Yep, like everyone has mentioned, it's easier if you take the TB off or the whole intake off in one piece.
While you're in there and if you've taken the hole intake off in one piece, you might was well check/replace the coolant temp sensor, check the upper radiator hose (mentioned by SHOdded) and also there's a coolant hose that goes right on top and in the center of the engine, I think this is for the heater. Verify if it's still in good condition.

Having the whole intake off makes you want to replace the spark plugs and wires (if needed) since it makes all that much much easier