2002 3.8 Caravan Replace Thermostat

[french69ssrs]

Hi All
My wife's van had no heat and the Temperature gauge was at the low side - Thought Stuck open Thermostat. Took apart, Thermostat fell apart inside manifold.
Removed pieces and top of Thermostat which is held into Housing by 3 places that are like penned in to hold it in place.
Bought new 195 deg. Thermostat and needed a new Flange Gasket, buy both.
At Autozone, they said it came with Gasket, that was like a big "O" ring seal around the body of the Thermostat, not used in this install. I had to go Back.
Placed Spring side towards the Intake and set Body into recessed area on housing after I cleaned both surfaces. Put some sealant on housing and set gasket into place, feed bolts thru new gasket and carefully start both bolts into threaded holes. Hold tight to keep new Thermostat against Intake manifold and tighten bolts. Fill and go.
No leaks and great heat. My wife is Happy !
Timmy from Connecticut

[mikefaster]

The "proper" gasket, is a SOMETIMES reuseable aluminum & silicone gasket, about $5 to $7, depending on the brand... I had to buy mine at rockauto.com... It was worth the wait...

Mike