Thermostat

[mahilly]

Can anyone tell me where the thermostat housing is on 2000 Durango (4.7L)? I need to change the thermostat and want to make sure where it is before I start taking things apart. Is there anything unusual I should be aware of before starting? I’m very familiar with engine repairs on older (1960’s) cars, but I normally let the pros fix my newer cars. I figure a thermostat repair should be fairly easy??? Thanks!

[eldiablo1100]

the thermostat housing is bolted to the engine and connected to the upper radiator hose.

it is held on by 2 bolts. when you take off the thermostat housing, the thermostat is right there


when you replace it,
-make sure the engine is cool and drain the cooling system before you begin.
-install the thermostat facing the right way
-don't reuse the thermostat housing gasket, install a new one.

[mahilly]

After some searching I finally found it. On a 4.7L engine the thermostat housing is actually on the bottom where the lower radiator hose is connected. I'm guessing that the coolant would have to flow in the oposite direction as well (through the thermostat on it's way to the radiator, then up through the top hose into the engine).

Anyway, thanks for the help!

[dnaab62]

Originally Posted by mahilly

After some searching I finally found it. On a 4.7L engine the thermostat housing is actually on the bottom where the lower radiator hose is connected. I'm guessing that the coolant would have to flow in the oposite direction as well (through the thermostat on it's way to the radiator, then up through the top hose into the engine).

Anyway, thanks for the help!

Did you have to remove any of the other parts to reach the bolts and have room to clean off the old gasket?

[mahilly]

Originally Posted by dnaab62

Did you have to remove any of the other parts to reach the bolts and have room to clean off the old gasket?

You will have to remove the plastic guard below the radiator in order to get to the tstat housing. Drain the radiator before removing the hose. The housing has two small bolts connecting it to the block... I think 1/4" or 5/16" but don't quite remember. It's a tight working space and is a bit tedious getting the bolts off (I have small 1/4" drive socket set that really came in handy for this job).

Once you remove the housing the rubber gasket comes out with the tstat. A new tstat will come with a new gasket.