The cooling system in a 1996 Buick Regal will need attention due to its age. A Regal will build up engine sludge in the cooling system that can cake around the thermostat. When this happens, the thermostat can stop working causing the car to overheat or just not heat at all. To prevent this, the thermostat should be replaced. A couple of dollars in parts can prevent thousands in costly engine repairs.
Instructions
- 1
Remove the radiator hose from the thermostat cover by removing the clamp that holds the hose onto the cover. Remove the clamp using a flat-head screwdriver. It's possible that the radiator hose has a cam-operated band clamp. This can be removed with a flat-head screw driver or nut driver. Once the clamp has been removed, pull the hose off of the cover's inlet hole.
2Unbolt the thermostat cover by removing the two bolts that hold it to the Regal's intake manifold. Pull the cover off of the engine and set it off to the side.
3Remove the old gasket and inspect the machined base on the intake for any pits or cracks. If there are no pits or cracks replace the old gasket with a new one. If you see any pits or cracks use RTV gasket maker instead of the paper gasket. This will fill any imperfections in the surface and prevent fluid leaking.
4Pull the old thermostat out of the intake manifold and replace it with a new one. One end is the top of the thermostat and it will be marked as so. This end must stick out of the intake when placed back into the engine.
5Replace the thermostat cover and bolt it back into place. Do not over tighten the cover. It's made from cast steel and is prone to cracking if over tightened. If the cover does crack, it should be replaced with a new one. Often this is a part that must be purchased from a Buick dealership.
6Place the radiator hose back onto the thermostat cover and tighten the retaining clip.
