How to Replace Thermostat Gasket Housing 96-11 Ford Crown Victoria
Difficulty: Intermediate · About 50 min · Ford Crown Victoria
Replace the thermostat and its housing gasket on a Ford Crown Victoria.
Tools you will need
- Ratchet
- 1/4 inch ratchet
- Funnel
- Socket extensions
- Flat blade screwdriver
- Torque wrench
- Channel-lock pliers
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- 19mm socket
- Drain pan
- 10mm socket
Parts and supplies
- Thermostat
- Thermostat housing O-ring
- Coolant
Steps
- Remove the engine cover
Pop it off with a 1/4 inch drive ratchet.
- Drain the coolant
Remove the radiator cap, raise and support the car, then drain the coolant through the 19mm drain plug into a pan and tighten the plug once empty.
- Remove the old thermostat
Loosen the upper radiator hose clamp with pliers and pry the hose off (with a pan ready), remove the housing's two 10mm bolts, lift the housing, then pull the thermostat out, using a screwdriver if it's stuck.
- Install the new thermostat
Seat the new thermostat and its O-ring, refit the housing and torque its 10mm bolts to about 18 ft-lb, then reconnect the upper radiator hose and its clamp.
- Reinstall the engine cover
Tighten it back down with the 1/4 inch drive.
- Refill the coolant
Fill the radiator with the cap off, run the engine with the heat and fan on low, top off and wait for the air to finish bubbling out, then top off once more and refit the cap.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.