Replacing thermostat

[ZackB]

As I have posted before, recently bought a 97 ranger 2.3l 2wd for my kid. It seems to take quite awhile to warm up so I fugure I'll just replace the thermostat. First, after buying it, I thought maybe the parts guy thought it was a go-cart. Can't believe how small it is. Now I look at the motor and think maybe its not as easy as it used to be on my old Ford. Can someone give me a quick write up as to replace it, have a gallon of antifreeze and a gasket at the ready. Thanks in advance.

 

[HAPPY_RANGER_GUY]

May want to inspect and/or consider replacing the rubber timing belt at the same time. How many miles on the ole boy?

T.

 

[ZackB]

167k, I think you are right. I've read here that you can actually inspect the TB for wear, they don't just go. There is a pipe that comes out from the block where I would think the thermostat goes that is pretty rusty, probably will replace that too.

 

[Dave R]

167k, I think you are right.

Your due for a belt, service change interval is 100K.

I've read here that you can actually inspect the TB for wear, they don't just go.

They rarely show signs of failing, except for a rare occasion when they start to seperate and you hear parts hitting the timing cover, they usually just snap.

 

[ZackB]

Thanks Dave, I'll get one right away. Do you know if the thermostat is located where the upper coolant supply hose meets the intake?

 

[Dave R]

Do you know if the thermostat is located where the upper coolant supply hose meets the intake?

Sort of, it's behind the oulet were the upper radiator hose meets the cylinder head.

 

[FCguy]

slight thread jack!

My temp gauge seems to always sit lower than normal than what it did when I first bought my truck. Got the haynes manual and it barly sheds any light on the replacement of the thremostat. I went out a looked and it seems like it will be a PITA to replace. Its under and set back from the cam gear and a hard AC line goes right in front of where I want to be. Does it just LOOK difficult or is it really a PITA? Being a working student I have to plan ahead to have enough time to do it.

THANKS

 

[Dave R]

FCguy,
What year is your truck? Some are easier than others, none are really that difficult. It's only held on by two bolts.