Chevrolet 10038439 Housing,Engine Coolant Thermostat

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The thermostat is essentially a restriction valve actuated by a thermostatic element. It is mounted inside a housing on the engine and is designed to open and close at predetermined temperatures to allow coolant to warm up or cool the engine. To remove the thermostat for replacement or testing, start by disconnecting the negative battery cable. Open the coolant drain valve on the lower right side of the radiator and drain the coolant into a suitable container. For 1981 and earlier L4 and all V6 models, if the car is equipped with cruise control, remove the vacuum modulator mounting bracket from the thermostat housing. Remove the bolts that secure the water outlet to the thermostat housing. The thermostat will now be visible and can be removed from the engine. Note how the thermostat sits in the recess, as it must be replaced in this same position. Before installation, use a gasket scraper or putty knife to carefully remove all traces of the old gasket on the thermostat housing and the water outlet cover. Do not allow the gasket particles to drop down into the water passage. Place a i in bead of RTV or equivalent sealer around the sealing surface on the thermostat housing and place the thermostat into its recess. Immediately place the water outlet and a new gasket into position and torque-tighten the attaching bolts. Where applicable, install the vacuum modulator bracket onto the thermostat housing. Connect the negative battery cable and fill the radiator with the proper amount of antifreeze and water. With the radiator cap removed, start the engine and run it until the upper radiator hose becomes hot. When this hose is hot, the thermostat should be in the open position. At this point, add more coolant if necessary to reach the top of the filler neck. Install the radiator cap, making sure the arrows are aligned with the overflow hose. For 1982 and later L4 models, the thermostat and housing have been redesigned for simpler servicing. To replace the thermostat, first remove the thermostat housing cap. Then grasp the thermostat handle and pull it out. Replacement is completed by pushing the thermostat into the housing, making sure it is seated, and installing the cap.

If the thermostat is suspect, it is more economical to merely buy a replacement thermostat as they are not very costly.

If excessive corrosion or damage is found on the thermostat, replace it with a new one.

If the thermostat does not check out OK, purchase a new thermostat of the same temperature rating.

For 1982 and later L4 models, the thermostat and housing have been redesigned for simpler servicing. To replace the thermostat, first remove the thermostat housing cap. Then, grasp the thermostat handle and pull it out. Replacement is completed by pushing the thermostat into the housing, making sure it is seated, and installing the cap.