changing themostat in XJ - AUSJEEPOFFROAD.COM Jeep News Australia and New Zealand

tuckerbox · #1 29-12-2005

hey guys

any tips as i will be doing this in the next week ..anything to look out for

is the blue stuff better than the black stuff for gasket sealer ? or its all the same ?

thanks in advance
ev

Grant · #2 30-12-2005

It is a relevantly simple change worst part is getting all the air locks out of the cooling system after. make sure that you have it running withe the heater on flat out and just keep adding coolant until there is no more burping. Usually takes up to 30 minutes to get all air locks out.

cherokee94nz · #3 30-12-2005

Make sure you use the right temp range one for the Jeep.

Jeepdownunder · #4 30-12-2005

I used the black Mopar stuff on my water pump as well. Has not leaked a bit. I did the 2 bolts up just to firm and left it for a couple of hours while I mowed the F*#*%*#$EN lawns. (Sorry had a little episode) Then went back and tweaked them up tight followed by my standard tweak!!!

Make sure you clean both surfaces with light sand paper no gouging with flat bladed screw driver. You should have got the gasket with the new thermostat.

tuckerbox · #5 30-12-2005

yup got a mopar thermostat $16 with gaskets ...do i still use the gasket sealer witht he gaskets ....

i was hoping to change thermostat without flushing the coolant ..is this ok ...

Jeepdownunder · #6 30-12-2005

I would flush whilst I had thermo out. You'll get a good flush with it out as it will not close up and impede the flush but up to you. I mix my own coolant its cheaper ready mix you waste too much. I use Castrol and mix it my self much cheaper.

This is what I did: Cleaned both surfaces with gentile scrapping with a paint scrapper. Then sanded the last of the old gunk off with sand paper.

Use the sealant to stick the gasket to the free housing (bit you have taken off) then smear some on the engine housing: just a thin coating on both.

Bring them together and bolt up evenly bolt up to firm, leave for about half an hour. Then bolt up to tight use a small spanner or quarter socket set so you do not over tighten. Ready to drive!!!

Check for leaks for a few weeks. Should be no problem. I’ve done two XJs the same way no problems.

PS: I found the bolt come out easy when she is just warm. Not hot or completerly cold...

Below is all the parts you looking at: Easy job even for me....

tuckerbox · #7 30-12-2005

thnx heaps for all the useful info..was tring to avoid the flush seeing that i just got my heater core done not long ago but sounsd like it would be good to do it anyway ...