Thermostat Replacement Walkthrough

[omarG19100]

@richpin06a i gotcha -_-

[omarG19100]

@richpin06a i meant 191miles*

[omarG19100]

@richpin06a i gotta thank you alot man my saturn at 101 miles runz like a beast. i guess if u really know and take care of ur car the # don't really matter. if i hit the lotto i gotchu =D

[richpin06a]

@omarG19100 If you win the lotto please send me just enough to pay my 79 year old father's mortgage we are hanging on by the skin of our teeth.

[omarG19100]

@richpin06a u telling me lol.

[omarG19100]

@richpin06a thanks man i acually found a thermastat at advancedauto with temp 195 for only $15 =D. the one at autozone was like $25

[richpin06a]

@omarG19100 It is a shame we can't go down to the Saturn dealer anymore because they sold sweet German thermostats for the s-series.

[omarG19100]

@richpin06a ok second question i want to replace it today but i see there are two different types as in theres one with temp level 180, and another more expensive one with temp of 192 at autozone. my car has 190,000miles so do i need to get the more expensive one? or the 180 will do long as i keep enough coolant in it.?, and does the 180/192 temp means thats the max heat it can withstand? IDK THANKS =D.

[richpin06a]

@omarG19100 I personalty would go with the 192 which by the way is what the OEM is.Temp spec is when the unit opens.

[omarG19100]

@richpin06a Do u need to put liquid gasket on the new thermstat before puttin it on?

[richpin06a]

@omarG19100 Nope the rubber o-rings seals nicely.

[GTVAlfaMan]

The actual part number on your receipt is 3179, and it appears to be an Autozone 192 degree thermostat instead of the the correct 195 degree thermostat for a Saturn SL2 that you should have installed according to the Saturn Fans owners forums. Is there a reason you installed a 192 degree instead of a 195 degree thermostat?

[richpin06a]

@GTVAlfaMan The one i used was the correct OEM part for the Saturn.The 195 deg ones you see the people on Saturn Fans use are aftermarket thermostats and will work also.

[jrankhorn]

Do you have a video on replacing the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor? I have a 2001 SC2 and need to replace both the ECT sensor and thermostat. This video is awesome on how detailed it is by the way.

[jrankhorn]

Never mind. I checked out your page and found the video, thanks a ton man for doing these and putting them on youtube, huge help for me.

[richpin06a]

@jrankhorn Yes i do it is called "Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Remove and Replace updated "

[rahern53]

now that saturn dealers no longer exist , how do you get the thermostat out without the cardboard tool ?

[richpin06a]

@rahern53 You can try your local GM dealer or as i write this they can be bought from GetSaturnParts.

[carfirehawk1]

The other guy is right. You talk like a frigging retard

[vuglialoro]

Rich! You are the man! just replaced my thermostat. I just went to the junk yard and a good looking stat with the housing already on. You are the man, thank you for your vids.

[kmulbok]

You talk slow and like a retard.

[Nastynorth802]

@kmulbok He's smarter than you'll ever be.

[chevyhighrider]

Thats one clean engine compartment!

[richpin06a]

@chevyhighrider Yes and the maid was off for two days.

[danparker52]

Does anyone have video on replacement of thermostat for a 1997 Dodge v-10 magnum 8.0 litre????

[Ninjawarrior315]

I have a 2001 saturn sl2...I was just wondering where the temperature needle should be when driving? It has always been at the quarter mark for as long as I could remember. There is no check engine light on and no codes so I was just wondering

Thank you!

[richpin06a]

@Ninjawarrior315 The needle should be half way between 1/4 and 1/2

[magmas26]

wat happs if we dont drain it?

[richpin06a]

@magmas26 The coolant will just drain when you remove the thermostat housing.

[dedski7]

where should the temp gauge needle be when at normal operating temp on a 95 sc2 1.9l DOHC

[Tressah]

i have a 1999 saturn sc2 and i have been trying to get the temp gauge to read in the middle for some time now, i have replaced the ects and the connector the thermostat and the radiator fluid any ideas on why im still not at the right temp, it does stay in the middle when im parked ??? i cant figure it out

[richpin06a]

@Tressah Normal temp range on a 99 is half way between 1/4 and 1/2

[dedski7]

1995 1.9L DOHC

[dedski7]

That thermostat is completely different then the one in my saturn,the housing and thermostat are all one piece

[dedski7]

On the factory temperature gauge for the sc2 where should the needle be at running temp?

[richpin06a]

@dedski7 Depends what year you have.

[ThriftyCougar]

@richpin06a also the temp the thermostat is

[Bennie518]

When I turn on my heater there is no heat. but my car does over heat. I have replaced the thermostat and the water pump and the radiator. But now it overheats. Not sure if my Head Gasket is broken but there is no heat when I turn on my heater and let it set for awhile to turn on?

[richpin06a]

@Bennie518 possible blockage in the heater core, have you check the hoses to the core to see i f they are hot or cold.

[brejo57]

@richpin - You da man. This helped so much. Really appreciate the time you put in to make this.

[walkingfreak]

Is there a drain valve on the Saturn SL1 ?!!

[richpin06a]

@walkingfreak Yes one 10mm head bolt about 4 inches under were the thermostat goes

[UnderTheLegalLimit]

is it same for a 94 saturn sohc tbi motor? i have a stant thermostat 27429 part number saturnfans said to buy that one

[UnderTheLegalLimit]

is this same for a 94 saturn sohc tbi motor?

[richpin06a]

@UnderTheLegalLimit Yes it is the same

[warrior7772]

The bolts weren't even loosened to show us anything. Not really a walkthrough, eh.

[elifoster]

I bought a 2002 Saturn sl1 on the 3rd and ever since I've had it the thermostat never reads in the middle, it always reads cold even on traveling far distances. The heater still blows hot, though. Do you think there's a problem with my stat?

[richpin06a]

You could have a problem with the engine coolant temp sensor.

[elifoster]

It doesn't read all the way cold, it reads in between the first and middle mark and it does move all the way cold in the morning. How can I troubleshoot the problem? Is it worth messing with?

[richpin06a]

3/8 on the temp gauge is the right zone for a up to temperature 95 to 02 Saturn.

[elifoster]

oh ok cool. I was just worried that my engine was "running cold". I read that a fail safe thermostat breaks in the open position, letting the max amount of coolant through.... if this was happening on my vehicle i guess the engine would be alot colder, though. I was afraid my engine was running colder than it should be and therefore having more wear. I'm glad i don't have to change the thermostat.

I was wondering, though, does the s-series have a "fail safe" thermostat?

[richpin06a]

The s-series did not come with a fail safe thermostat.

[beachbummm69]

is there a bleeder valve somewhere to get the air out of the system as you refill with coolant??

[richpin06a]

No not on the saturn.Fill slow and you should not have a problem

[moisesnlp]

yes I will check the top and bottom hoses for sure,, I was thinking that it might be that the water pump not be working,,, but thanks Rich I will check them

[moisesnlp]

umm.. I haven't notice the radiator working when is on but when I turn the car off I can hear it working. U think the water might not be going through the radiator? (that's why the water is boiling in the expansion tank) :( idk

[richpin06a]

Could be,next time check the top and bottom hoses.When the engine is up to temp they both should be hot.

[moisesnlp]

hey bro thanks for the video, I do have a question I have a saturn sc2 and I did change that thermostat already, and the temperature gauge is working properly but there is hot water coming out of the expansion tank, it works right for like 10 min, but after that the water rises in the expansion tank and at the panel the water light come out,.. what would be the problem?

[richpin06a]

Is the radiator fan working.

[CCAAASSSCCAAAA]

I got one ordered from AutoZone (the 195 degree one) and it came with everything already pre-assembled.

The item didn't say made in Germany, it said made in Israel. Have you had any experience with those kind of themostats?

[richpin06a]

I have not.How does it look.

[CCAAASSSCCAAAA]

like a normal t-stat.

want me to e-mail you pics?

[CCAAASSSCCAAAA]

I made a video response to this one to show you what it looks like. They look identical to what you have in this video though.

[RobertGary1]

You can also get the same kit at CarQuest. Be careful, most auto parts stores sell a 180F thermostat, which will not pass SMOG testing. You need the 195F thermostat. They'll tell you that 180F is OEM buts its not.

[racefan15]

looks very simple with the AC removed...With it there it is a huge Pain in the ass...Still a great How-To...thanks

[JawsJaws]

Wheres the thermostat on a 2000 Chevy Cavalier? I cant see where all the hoses go.

[mjoekingz28]

thanks again RichPin. I searched the forums and looked for myself but when you do it it stands right out. Finding the block drain..... Even tells you its 10mm. very helpful

[Ozmator]

Thank you for the video(s), they have proven very helpful.

[poperichard]

Would I be correct in guessing at the 2:44 of the video that you are shooting the video from underneath the engine?

I looked at my Saturn SC1 engine and it would be pretty difficult to reach the thermostat from under the hood from the top of the engine.

[richpin06a]

No,you are looking from the top with the A/C compressor removed.

[ACDC920605]

I dont see why you have to drain the system, Cant you just pull of the hoses to the water pump and hold them up somehow and drain just the W- pump?

[RobertGary1]

When you take the hosing off the block it would continue to dump coolant out. Remember that this entire system is filled with 100% water/coolant, there is no air in the system when full.

[Tobbytheking]

THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO!.

[efemall]

careful when opening the engine plug. coolant splashed into my eyes and i freaked out. wear glasses or something just in case.

[lovemym16]

that sucks, every time i were glasses somthink gets in my eye. must be a life thing

[MikeIndiana39]

One thing that's confusing is that there are TWO Engine coolant Thermostats, one that turns on the waterpump and one that turns on the fan. I think that confuses some people, it did me. this video cleared it up for me though. 5 stars.

[tubehead357]

Thank you for this post 4 real man! I have to do a thermostat on my friends car and had been searchin for information. I was surprised when your video popped up.

[xybaby]

Do you have to remove the belt motor which is located on the top of the radiator hose? If yes, can you show me how to remove it?

[richpin06a]

You do not have to remove the A/C compressor which is over the radiator hose to replace the thermostat.

[youdhp]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your videos. You are a saint in my opinion. And the quality of your videos and explanations are excellent. This may sound wierd, but I sometimes watch them just for fun. I have learned a lot about my car from your videos. Thanks again.

[richpin06a]

Hopefully you are drinking when you watch them for fun....lol

[MinnesotaDJ]

Thanks so much for a very interesting and helpful video. I'm a fairly handy "shade-tree" mechanic in my own right. But, WOW(!), it's INCREDIBLY helpful to see the whole process before I tackle it! AND THANK YOU for sharing your superior knowledge and experience with all of us out here in YouTube Land! Blessings and peace to you.

[midlifenocrisis]

I've read your posts on Saturnalia and now I've watched your video "how-to's". Damn, you're good! You are a veritable walking Saturn service center! I didn't own my Saturn when I lived in Mahopac or I would have definitely stopped by with a six pack of your favorite beverage just to say thanks for all your help. My little polymer paneled 4 banger says "Thank you!" also.

[foolios]

Absolutely terrific, thanks for showing me where the bolt for draining fluid from the engine is. I wasn't sure about how to remove the petcock either. KUDOS!

[rkellyforums]

I checked it out. Thanks so much! Gonna save me some cash! Cheers!

[rkellyforums]

Too bad you couldn't show the actual removal of it. Not sure how the cardboard thing works. Novices like me like need all the details we can get. Thanks.

[richpin06a]

Just did one check it out.

rich