Before coolant can touch the drivebelts, line them with kitchen plastic wrap. The entire thermostat and thermostat holder in four-cylinder cars must be changed together. Remove the connector by taking it off the negative battery post. Take the coolant out of the system, and if it's good, keep and use it again. For four-cylinder models, pull up the four plastic grommets first to remove the engine cover. Find the thermostat compartment by following the small hose that connects the lower body of your car to the engine. Remove the hose from its connection to the housing, using the clamp. Don't forget to replace the hose when you're done. Replace the cover if it has rusted. To access the coolant, take off the heater hose from either the thermostat's housing or the quick-connect adapter on four-cylinder cars. To work on 2.7L V6 engines, prop up the engine, take out the right front mount support and bracket, unfasten the thermostat cover, ready to deal with any spilling coolant. The radiator hose can remain attached. To access the thermostat on 3.5L and 3.7L V6 engines, start by taking off the air filter housing and duct, then unhook the coolant inlet cover, slide off the thermostat and its O-ring, remembering how they fit before you begin. First, remove the oil cap, all engine cover screws, and finally take off the engine cover itself. Free the upper and lower radiator tubes, together with the heater lines and expansion tank, then unhook the housing from around the coolant pipe without yanking it out of its engine block. Wipe down all parts that seal well, then check your hoses for damage and replace any that don't pass inspection. Place a new gasket on the thermostat housing, put bolts back in and tighten them correctly, then reconnect the heater and radiator hoses. Put a fresh rubber O-ring only on the thermostat for V6 engines, placing the adjustment valve at 12 o'clock. Then, attach the cover and bolt down the housing tightly according to the recommended torque. Put the lower radiator hose back in place and make sure the hose clamp keeps it there tight. On 2.7L engine vehicles, reconnect the right front engine mount and its bracket. On V6 engines (three main groups of six cylinders), place a new lubricated O-ring into the coolants line, place a new housing seal on the thermometer case, and assemble the housing piece. Fix all cooling system hoses back to their regular places. Tighten all hose clamp screws when holstering them. Add fresh coolant, remove trapped air, begin the engine, let it reach normal temperature, and watch for leaks and correct thermostat behavior.
Posted by FordPartsGiant Specialist 
