Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Partially drain the cooling system. For additional information, refer to COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING - 3.0L AND 4.0L .
Remove the air cleaner outlet tube. For additional information, refer to INTAKE AIR DISTRIBUTION & FILTERING .
Remove the throttle body cover.
Remove the upper radiator hose from the thermostat outlet housing. Remove the alternator wiring pin-type retainer.

Fig 1: Removing Upper Radiator Hose From Thermostat Housing & Alternator Wiring
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the bolts, the thermostat outlet housing and the water thermostat.

Fig 2: Removing Thermostat Outlet Housing And Water Thermostat
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Use care when scraping thermostat housing-to-gasket mating surfaces. Gouges in aluminum could form leak paths.

Discard the gasket and clean the sealing surfaces.

NOTE: Make sure the sealing surfaces are totally free of gasket material.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.