The thermostat on a 1983 one-ton Ford van regulates the coolant flowing between the engine and the radiator. It acts as a mechanical switch that opens and closes with the temperature of the coolant, opening when the coolant reaches a certain temp. If the thermostat sticks one direction or another, then the coolant never gets a chance to cool down, and the engine could overheat. If you notice an overheating condition, then you can remove your thermostat to see if that's the problem.
Instructions
- 1
Allow the van's engine to cool for several hours so the coolant can have a chance to get to a manageable temperature that won't cause a burn. Put the drain pan underneath the petcock valve underneath the radiator. Open the petcock valve with your hands and drain the coolant. Then tighten the valve.
2Locate the thermostat housing, which is at the top of the motor and has an elbow connected to a radiator hose. Unbolt the housing from the engine with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Pull the housing from the engine and then scrape the gasket off the mounting surfaces with the gasket scraper. Take out the old thermostat.
3Apply the RTV sealant to the mating surfaces on the thermostat and thermostat housing. Install the gasket, then install the thermostat in the housing in the same orientation as the original. Bolt the thermostat housing in place with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.
4Open the radiator cap. Pour the 50-50 pre-diluted coolant into the radiator, then reinstall the radiator cap. Start the van, then turn the heater up to its highest and hottest position. Allow the van to run for 15 to 30 minutes, then turn it off and let it sit for another hour to let the coolant cool back down.
5Open the radiator cap again, then add any additional coolant necessary to fill up the radiator. Reinstall the radiator cap.
