How do I Install a Car Thermostat on a F150 4.2 V6?
by Zyon Silket
The Ford F150 truck is designed to be a “work horse” truck capable of towing and carrying large payloads. This can present issues for the F150 equipped with a 4.2 V6 engine. This is the same engine Ford put in the Bronco II and the Ford Ranger. It’s smaller size helps save on gas mileage but puts a huge strain on the vehicle when large payloads are carried. One area prone to weakness is the cooling system. The more weight that the truck hauls or tows, the hotter it runs. This makes it even more important that the F150 thermostat work properly. If your truck runs hot, it’s time to change the thermostat.
Step 1
Locate the thermostat housing by tracing the upper radiator hose to the T-stat housing, which in turn bolts onto the intake manifold of the F150. Remove the radiator hose from the T-stat housing by loosening it with a screwdriver.
Step 2
Remove the bolts that hold the T-stat housing onto the intake manifold with a 7/16-inch wrench. Inspect the bolts for heavy corrosion or rounded heads. Replace the bolts if they look worn. Lift the thermostat off the intake manifold.
Step 3
Discard the old thermostat gasket and wipe off the mating surfaces of the T-stat housing and the intake manifold with a shop towel.
Step 4
Lift the old thermostat out of the intake manifold and replace it with a new one. The end with the pin protrudes from the intake manifold.
Step 5
Place the new thermostat gasket on the intake manifold and bolt the T-stat housing on top of the gasket.
Step 6
Reconnect the radiator hose to the T-stat housing and secure it with the band clamp.
References
- “Ford F-150 Repair Manual Years 1997 to 2003”: Haynes: 2003
Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- 7/16-inch wrench
- Shop towel
Writer Bio
Since 2006 Zyon Silket has been writing for companies such as SEOWhat, L&C Freelancing and T-Mobile Wireless. He has extensive experience working in supervisory roles within the wireless and Internet technologies fields. Silket is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in business management and network technologies at Lehigh Carbon Community College.
