Tools and Materials Needed:
- New thermostat (OEM or equivalent)
- Replacement thermostat gasket (if needed)
- 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water (or pure antifreeze)
- Replacement coolant if necessary
- Screwdriver
- Wrench set
- Pliers
- Funnel
- Rags
Instructions:
1. Park your car and allow the engine to cool down completely. This is very important to avoid burns.
2. Open the hood of the car. Locate the radiator cap and carefully remove it, allowing the pressure in the cooling system to release. Use a rag to protect your hands from any residual heat or coolant.
3. Locate the thermostat housing. It's usually located on the engine block near the top of the radiator hose. In the 1992 Honda Accord, it is on the passenger side of the engine.
4. Disconnect the radiator hose. Use a screwdriver or pliers to loosen the hose clamp and slide it off the thermostat housing. Drain any remaining coolant from the hose into a container.
5. Remove the thermostat housing bolts. Use a wrench to loosen and remove the bolts holding the thermostat housing in place. Be careful not to drop the bolts.
6. Remove the old thermostat and gasket. Take a look at the thermostat housing and remove the old thermostat and gasket. Clean the housing of any dirt or debris.
7. Install a new thermostat and gasket. Match the new thermostat with the original one and ensure it fits correctly in the housing. Make sure to properly align the thermostat, aligning the jiggle valve towards the 12 o'clock position. If your old thermostat came with a gasket, it's best to replace it with a new one.
8. Reinstall the thermostat housing bolts and tighten them securely.
9. Reconnect the radiator hose. Slide the hose back onto the thermostat housing and reattach the hose clamp. Tighten the clamp securely.
10. Refill the cooling system. Open the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator and allow any remaining coolant to drain. Close the drain plug. Pour the new mixture of 50/50 antifreeze and water into the radiator until it is full.
11. Replace the radiator cap. Make sure the cap is fastened securely. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Check for any leaks.
12. Check the temperature gauge. Once the engine reaches its normal operating temperature, observe the temperature gauge on your dashboard. Ensure that it reads within a normal range.
13. Top off the coolant level if needed. Let the engine cool down and check the coolant level in the radiator. Add more coolant if necessary. Tighten the radiator cap securely.
14. Test drive your car. Take a brief drive to ensure that the thermostat is working correctly and the engine temperature remains stable.
Note: If you are uncomfortable performing this repair, it is always advisable to take your car to a qualified mechanic.
