Duretec Cooling System

[MikeD2]

I have a 96, which I bought new, it only has 85K. I have maintained it well & still runs great. The one thing I havn't done is change any hoses in the cooling system. Normally I do this every 4 to 5 years. I can't imagine how you could get to some of these hoses. It looks as though there are about 6 additional hoses, plus the upper hoses (2) including a "Tee" & the lower hose. All the hoses I can touch still feel pliable.
I called the dealer, they quoted me a price of (gulp) $740.00.
No way I am going to spend that. Has anyone changed all their hoses before? And, where is the thermostat? I know I sound (& feel) like a novice, but a do have some mechanical ability. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[65comet]

My son pulled in too close to a curb in front of a building while parking and pinched a hole in the lower hose. Because some genius decided to design that T in the middle of the hose, it's $65 just for that one new hose. It was easy to replace and it is the only one I've done. Since it isn't the only one with those T fittings molded in, I can see where that hugh price you have came from. Haven't had to touch the thermostat, so I'm not sure where they have it.

[MikeD2]

Thanks. Was the "T" hose all 1 piece? It looks as though that is the easiest hose to replace. Does anyone know where the thermostat is?
Any help would be appreciated.

[65comet]

Yeah, the hose was one piece. What has me worried right now is that the other end, not the radiator side, of that hose connects to a steel tube and mine is rusting out very badly from the outside. I guess I'm going to have to change that soon. I looked the motor over yesterday, and I am stumped as to where the thermostat is also. I went to Autozone's website and did a component search on the thermostat, it returned "Could not find".

[Shelledcoyote]

Originally Posted by MikeD2

I have a 96, which I bought new, it only has 85K. I have maintained it well & still runs great. The one thing I havn't done is change any hoses in the cooling system. Normally I do this every 4 to 5 years. I can't imagine how you could get to some of these hoses. It looks as though there are about 6 additional hoses, plus the upper hoses (2) including a "Tee" & the lower hose. All the hoses I can touch still feel pliable.
I called the dealer, they quoted me a price of (gulp) $740.00.
No way I am going to spend that. Has anyone changed all their hoses before? And, where is the thermostat? I know I sound (& feel) like a novice, but a do have some mechanical ability. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

I have a 2000 DOHC and the hoses are a nightmare. I have replaced a few of them as needed and $740 to do all of them is probably not out of line. They are tough to get to. The thermostat on mine is located about centerline of the car at the very lowest hose. Not on the engine itself. Had to take all the air dam/spoilers of from the bumper back. Very little room between the cross member and radiator but you can get it with a little pain. Hope this helps you.