Ford Mustang (1999-2004) Service Manual: Thermostat - 3.8L

Material

Item Specification
Gasket Adhesive TA-6 or equivalent WSS-M2G408- A
Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A (in Oregon VC-7-B) (yellow color) WSS-M97B51- A1

Removal and Installation

1. Drain the engine coolant. For additional information, refer to Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding in this section.

2. Disconnect the upper radiator hose from the coolant hose connection.

Thermostat - 3.8L

3. Remove the thermostat housing.

  • Remove the bolts.

Thermostat - 3.8L

4. Remove the thermostat.

  • Clean and inspect the water outlet connection.
  • Discard the thermostat gasket, and clean and inspect the mating surface.

Thermostat - 3.8L

5. Clean and inspect the thermostat mating surface at the engine.

Thermostat - 3.8L

6. NOTE: The thermostat is indexed and must be returned to the original location.

NOTE: Coat the new thermostat gasket with gasket adhesive.

NOTE: Make sure the new O-ring gasket is secure around the thermostat.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.

7. Fill the cooling system. For additional information, refer to Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding in this section.

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