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3.8L Thermostat replacement: How-to

19K views 3 replies 3 participants last post by  98t&c 
#1 ·
After putting a new water pump and lower radiator hose on my 98 T&C, I decided to replace the thermostat and upper radiator hose. Glad I did. The hose was nearly shot. Have 162, 720 miles on the original factory parts. This is about a one hour job.

Along the way, I snapped some pictures.
Here is a tutorial guide to doing the job if you are so inclined:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/landar/sets/72157622875853230/
 
#3 ·
FSM gives a 250 lb-in torque value for the housing bolts (which is just under 21 lb-ft).
After I tightened to that specification, the housing cracked. Do not use that figure, it's likely an error.
For a 3.0 engine, which uses the same basic design, the same manual gives 105 lb-in.
 
#4 ·
I do not have an FSM so I torqued mine to 13 lb-ft based on the size of the bolt. Seemed about right. If anyone knows the right amount for sure, let me know and I will add it to the tutorial.
 
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