How to Replace a Cadillac Thermostat
by Gregory Crews
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.
References
- Automedia: Thermostat Replacement
- "Cadillac Haynes Repair Manual for DeVille (1994 thru 2005), Seville (1992 thru 2004), and DTS (2006 thru 2010)"; John Haynes; 2010
Tips
- The thermostat is rated to open at a designated temperature. Check the bottom of the old thermostat and the temperature is etched in the bottom. Purchase the new thermostat with that temperature specification.
Things You'll Need
- Flat tip screwdriver
- Socket wrench
- Socket set
- Razor scraper
- Putty knife
- New thermostat housing gasket
- New Thermostat
Warnings
- Use caution when working around the coolant system. Allow the car to cool off before attempting to replace thermostat.
Writer Bio
Gregory Crews has been in the film industry for three years and has appeared in more than 38 major motion pictures and 16 television shows. He also writes detailed automotive tutorials. His expertise in the automotive industry has given him the skills to write detailed technical instructional articles.
