Materials Needed:
- Replacement thermostat (OEM or equivalent)
- Coolant or a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water
- Funnel
- Pliers
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Wrench or ratchet set
Instructions:
1. Prepare the vehicle.
- Allow the engine to cool down completely to avoid any risk of burns.
- Disconnect the negative terminal of your car battery to prevent any electrical issues during the repair.
2. Locate the thermostat housing.
- The thermostat housing is typically located near the upper radiator hose connection on the engine block. In the 1984 Chevy Celebrity, it's on the front of the engine, just below the upper radiator hose.
3. Remove the thermostat housing bolts.
- There will be two bolts that hold the thermostat housing in place. Use a wrench or ratchet to loosen and remove them.
4. Carefully remove the thermostat housing.
- Gently pry the housing off using a flat-head screwdriver or a pair of pliers, taking care not to spill any remaining coolant.
5. Remove the old thermostat.
- Once the thermostat housing is removed, you'll see the old thermostat. Grasp the thermostat by its edges with pliers and wiggle it until it comes out of its seat.
6. Clean the thermostat housing.
- Use a brush or scouring pad to clean any debris or old gasket material from the thermostat housing mating surfaces.
7. Install the new thermostat.
- Orient the new thermostat correctly by matching the position of its jiggle valve or spring to that of the old thermostat.
- Seat the new thermostat securely in its housing.
8. Reinstall the thermostat housing.
- Place the thermostat housing back onto the mating surface, ensuring the new gasket is properly seated.
- Secure it by reinstalling the two bolts that you removed earlier.
- Tighten them firmly but not excessively.
9. Reattach the battery.
- Reconnect the negative terminal of the car battery.
10. Refill the coolant.
- Remove the radiator cap or coolant expansion tank cap.
- Use a funnel to add coolant or a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water until it reaches the recommended level indicated in the owner's manual or coolant reservoir.
11. Start the engine and check the coolant level.
- Let the engine run for a few minutes until it reaches operating temperature. Check the coolant level again and add more coolant if necessary.
Note:
- When refilling the coolant, make sure to follow the proper procedure outlined in your vehicle's owner's manual to ensure proper air bubble removal from the cooling system.
- It's also a good practice to replace the coolant as recommended in your vehicle's maintenance schedule to ensure optimal engine cooling performance.
