2002 lincoln ls thermostat housing replacement

What is a thermostat?

The thermostat is a valve that helps control engine temperature. When the engine is cold, the thermostat stays closed to block coolant flow to the radiator, letting the engine warm up faster. Once the engine hits a certain temperature, the thermostat opens up, allowing coolant into the radiator, where it can cool off and keep the car from overheating.

Table of Contents Show

What is a thermostat?
What are the symptoms related to a bad thermostat?
Can I drive with a thermostat problem?
How often do thermostats need to be replaced?
How long does it take to replace thermostat housing?
Why does my Lincoln LS keeps overheating?
How much does it cost to replace a thermostat housing in a car?

Thermostats can be controlled either mechanically or electronically.

The bad thermostat can cause two different sets of problems, depending on whether it's stuck open or stuck closed.

A thermostat that is stuck open can cause the engine to run colder than normal and turn on the check engine light. It may also cause poor fuel mileage and the heater to blow cool air.

A thermostat that is stuck closed will cause the vehicle to overheat. If a new thermostat doesn't resolve engine temperature problems, the cooling system needs to be checked for other issues.

» LEARN MORE: Signs of a bad thermostat, and how to fix it

Can I drive with a thermostat problem?

If the thermostat is stuck closed, no, you should stop driving immediately; if you don't, the engine can quickly overheat. An overheating engine should be shut off, and the vehicle should be towed. Overheating can severely damage the engine after only a few minutes.

If the thermostat is stuck open it may not cause engine failure, but you'll likely notice poor performance, an ineffective heater and bad fuel economy. It should be replaced at your earliest convenience.

How often do thermostats need to be replaced?

It all depends on the type of car you have and your driving conditions. The thermostat does not wear the same way a tire does, but will eventually fail and require replacement. Often, a new thermostat is recommended as preventative maintenance any time the cooling system is serviced, such as during radiator hose replacement or a timing belt service.

Hello , all i would like to know if anyone knows how to remove or get too the bottom back 2 bolts
on the thermostat housing base ! I have the front 2 out just need to remove back ones i ve tried
rachet wrenches swival socket extensions nothing working no angles to looosin botls is there any recommendations on a perticular tool i can use and size well the size of the botls are 8mm or 3/8
just not a whole lot of wiggle room for play thank you any help would be gladly appreciated !!!
I VE BEEN STUCK ON THESE 2 DARN BOLTS FOR 2 DAYS !

Telco

Dedicated LVC Member

The 02 is a Gen 1 and the 03 is a Gen 2. I mention this because I have an 03, and have never worked on a Gen 1. On my 03, I had to pull the intake to get those two bolts off, but if I ever have to do it again I won't because I cut the bolts down a bit. Even though the two generations have different intake setups I don't see it being any different in respect to getting those two bolts off.

I have used a 1/4" 8mm short socket with two extensions. Once I broke them loose they came right out. The bolt heads will end up under a ridge on the front side of the intake manifold so i used a magnet to pull them out. I believe that I could have re-used them but I bought same length allen head bolts (rounded heads). Good luck.

joegr

Dedicated LVC Member

You need a crow's foot wrench. Alternately, there are some specialized brake or distributor wrenches that should work.

Re&Re - Jag Aluminum Upgraded Thermostat housing - GEN 1 V8

Get the two front bolts out, loosen the two rears, turn them as much as you can until they begin to top out against the black round disc of the intake manifold, then gently lift up on the Thermostat housing, tilt it back and forth, while completing the last few remaining turns with needle nose pliers.

5/16" or 8mm swivel ratchet wrench should have worked if not may need to get a Snap-On Brake Bleeder Wrench 5/16" X 3/8" but both will top out as the bolt starts to touch the black round intake disc. You may have to use on open end wrench to make a few turns as well.

Do NOT drop any bolts down into the Thermostat housing intake.

Shouldn't take you two Fn days to get two bolts out!

How long does it take to replace thermostat housing?

An average thermostat replacement takes around 1 hour, with some taking as little as 30 minutes. More problematic replacements can take a little longer where there are issues accessing an awkwardly positioned part or if it's become seriously stuck in place.

Why does my Lincoln LS keeps overheating?

Problem Description Erratic engine coolant temperature or intermittent overheating can be caused by corrosion inside the water pump. The impeller may spin on the water pump shaft or the impeller may corrode. Either condition reduces coolant circulation resulting in engine overheating.

How much does it cost to replace a thermostat housing in a car?

Unfortunately, thermostats play an essential role in your car. So fixing a car thermostat will usually cost somewhere in the range of $200 to $300. But you'll need to speak with your mechanic to get a more exact estimate. More than labor costs, the price will depend on your car.