How Do I Replace My Ford 302 Thermostat?

If your 302 Ford is overheating, or if the engine just won't warm up, you may need a new thermostat. The thermostat regulates the engine's temperature by controlling the flow of coolant between the radiator and the engine block. Automotive thermostats aren't repairable; if your thermostat is malfunctioning, you'll need a new one. Fortunately, replacing the thermostat in the 302 Ford is a relatively simple procedure. Most mechanically inclined individuals can do this job in about an hour, using common hand tools.

Instructions

1

Drain the radiator. Remove the radiator cap, open the radiator petcock (a small wingnut like valve on the bottom of the radiator) and drain the coolant into the bucket or pan. It isn't necessary to completely drain the cooling system--just get the coolant level below the level of the thermostat housing.

2

Remove the upper radiator hose from the thermostat housing. The upper radiator hose connects the radiator to the thermostat housing. Using the screwdriver, loosen the hose clamp, then twist and pull the hose to remove it from the thermostat housing.

3

Remove the thermostat housing and thermostat. Remove the two bolts that attach the thermostat housing to the intake manifold, then gently pry the housing off. Note the orientation of the thermostat, then grasp the thermostat with your fingers and remove it.

4

Clean the thermostat housing and the mating surface of the intake manifold. Scrape the remains of the thermostat housing gasket off using a putty knife or scraper.

5

Reinstall the thermostat and housing. Set the new thermostat in place in the intake manifold, pointed side up. Place a new gasket on the manifold, orienting the two small holes in the gasket with the bolt holes in the manifold. Place the thermostat housing on top of the gasket, install the bolts and tighten the bolts hand tight, plus one half-turn.

6

Reinstall the radiator hose. Slide the hose onto the thermostat housing (use liquid soap as a lubricant if necessary) and tighten the hose clamp in place.

7

Refill the radiator with the appropriate coolant. Fill to just below the radiator cap, then run the engine for a few minutes to purge air from the cooling system. Top off the cooling system if necessary before putting on the radiator cap. Once the cap is in place, run the engine and check for leaks.