How to Replace a Cadillac Thermostat

by Gregory Crews
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temperature indicator image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com

The Cadillac is known for it's smooth ride and comfortable handling. Ensuring your Cadillac runs smoothly involves maintaining the coolant system. The thermostat in the Cadillac regulates the engine temperature and is made to open when the coolant level reaches a particular temperature. The coolant is then sent through the engine and down to the water pump. The water pump pushes the coolant through the outlet hose and to the radiator. The radiator dissipates the heat and holds the coolant until the engine needs the coolant again. Once the thermostat goes bad, the car will overheat and possibly cause expensive engine troubles.

Step 1

Open the hood for access to the thermostat housing. Follow the upper radiator hose to the thermostat housing.

Step 2

Unclamp the hose at the thermostat housing with a flat tip screwdriver. Pull the hose off the thermostat housing inlet pipe by hand.

Step 3

Unbolt the housing with a socket wrench. Separate the housing by pulling the cover off.

Step 4

Pull the thermostat out by hand. Be sure to remember the position of the thermostat as it was sitting in the housing.

Step 5

Scrape all the gasket material off the surfaces of both the housing and the cover with a razor scraper or putty knife. Make sure all the black gasket material is scraped away as this could cause leaks around the housing later.

Step 6

Insert the new thermostat by hand. The thermostat will fit snug in the housing.

Step 7

Apply the new gasket over the surface of the housing. Ensure the bolt holes match up to the bolt holes on the housing surface.

Step 8

Tighten the bolts down with a socket wrench. Do not overtighten as this could break the bolts or strip the threads in the housing.

Step 9

Slide the hose over the inlet pipe. Tighten the hose clamp over the hose and inlet pipe with a flat tip screwdriver.

Step 10

Unscrew the radiator cap to check the fluid level in the radiator. Fill with coolant if the level does not reach the neck of the radiator. Start the car and allow it to idle with the radiator cap off the radiator. Once the car warms up, the level of the coolant will drop. Fill with coolant until the level is at the neck of the radiator.

Step 11

Tighten the cap to the radiator. Close the hood.

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