Oldsmobile 12632948 Thermostat,Engine Coolant

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If your engine is slow to heat up or overheats, it may be due to a thermostat issue. Before assuming the thermostat is at fault, check the coolant level, drivebelt tension, and temperature gauge. If the upper radiator hose is cold and the engine overheats, the thermostat is likely stuck closed and needs replacement. To exchange it, begin by unplugging the battery. Drain the coolant. Remove the air cleaner assembly and detach the upper radiator hose. Next, remove the thermostat housing cover and gasket, then remove the old thermostat. Use a scraper and thinner to clean the gasket surfaces, and apply sealant to the surfaces. Install the new thermostat and gasket. Reattach the cover and hose and check all hoses and clamps. Refill the system, run the engine, and look for leaks.

Don't drive without a thermostat; it impacts emissions and fuel economy. Before replacing the thermostat, inspect coolant level, drivebelt tension, and gauge operation. A slow-warming engine indicates an open thermostat, while an overly hot engine with a cool upper radiator hose suggests a closed one. Overheating can cause damage like leaking head gaskets and warped cylinder heads. To replace the thermostat, drain some coolant from the radiator until below the thermostat housing. Disconnect the upper radiator hose, remove the housing cover, and note the thermostat's position. Clean off old gasket remnants, then clean the surfaces with acetone. Apply ATV sealant, position the new thermostat, and attach a new gasket. Secure the cover, reattach the hose, and refill the coolant system. After running the engine, check for leaks.

Remove the thermostat.

You can check the temperature of the radiator hose that leads from the thermostat to the radiator. If the hose is not hot, but the engine is, it is likely that the thermostat is stuck closed and should be replaced.

Ensure the correct end faces out, with the spring directed toward the engine.

Begin by draining about three quarts of coolant from the radiator until the level is below the thermostat housing. Disconnect the upper radiator hose from the thermostat housing cover. Remove the nuts/bolts holding the cover and lift it off. It may be necessary to move the belt tensioner bracket aside and tap the cover with a soft-face hammer to break the gasket seal. Note the orientation of the old thermostat and then lift it out. Use a scraper or putty knife to remove any old gasket material and sealant from the mating surfaces, being careful not to let any fall into the coolant passages. Clean the mating surfaces with lacquer thinner or acetone. Apply a thin layer of ATV sealant to the gasket mating surfaces of the housing and cover. Install the new thermostat in the engine with the correct end facing up. Position a new gasket on the housing, ensuring the holes line up with the bolt holes. Carefully position the cover on the housing and install the bolts, tightening them to the specified torque without overtightening to avoid distortion. Reattach the radiator hose to the cover and tighten the clamp. It is recommended to check and replace hoses and clamps at this time. Refill the system with coolant. Run the engine and carefully check for any coolant leaks.

Use a scraper or putty knife to remove any old gasket material and sealant from the mating surfaces.

It is important to check the coolant level, drivebelt tension, and temperature gauge (or light) operation.

If the engine runs hot, the thermostat is probably stuck closed, preventing the coolant inside the engine from escaping to the radiator.

You can check the temperature of the radiator hose that leads from the thermostat to the radiator. If the hose is not hot, but the engine is, it is likely that the thermostat is stuck closed and should be replaced.

Remove the thermostat.

This thermostat opens at 180 degrees