1997 Jeep Wrangler Thermostat

FCISFC

MEMBER
1997 JEEP WRANGLER

Engine Cooling problem
1997 Jeep Wrangler 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic

I just changed the thermostat on a 1997 Jeep Wrangler and I think I put the gasket on the engine block first then the thermostat and last the housing, the engine overheated two times out of the 3 or four times I ran it to clean/rinse the system I am now looking on line for anything I can find to help and I think I saw somewhere that the thermostat goes first then the gasket but I believe that was for an engine different that what I am working with let’s say I installed the gasket first and that was not the way it should have been done could that be enough reason for the engine to over heat.
Also now I am have read something about an air vent on the thermostat that might be a little whole or mark on the thermostat that might have to be up, what if I installed the thermostat with that little thing pointing down or not up would that cause the thermostat to malfunction.

1 Reply

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

1. Drain the coolant from the radiator until the level is below the thermostat housing. 2. Remove radiator upper hose and heater hose at thermostat. 3. Disconnect wiring connector at engine coolant temperature sensor. 4. Remove thermostat housing mounting bolts, thermostat housing, gasket and thermostat. See Fig. 13 . 5. Remove and discard old gasket. Fig. 13: Removing Thermostat Courtesy of CHRYSLER CORP. Installation 1. Clean the gasket mating surfaces. 2. Install the replacement thermostat so that the pellet, which is encircled by a coil spring, faces the engine. All thermostats are marked on the outer flange to indicate the proper installed position. 3. Observe the recess groove in the engine cylinder head. See Fig. 14 . Position thermostat into this groove with arrow and air bleed hole on outer flange pointing up. 4. Install replacement gasket and thermostat housing. See Fig. 13 . 5. Tighten the housing bolts. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . 6. Install hoses to thermostat housing. 7. Install electrical connector to coolant temperature sensor. 8. Be sure that the radiator draincock is tightly closed. Fill the cooling system to the correct level with the required coolant mixture. 9. Start and warm the engine. Check for leaks. WARNING: DO NOT loosen the radiator draincock with the system hot and pressurized. Serious burns form the coolant can occur. WARNING: Constant tension hose clamps are used on most cooling system hoses. When removing or installing, use only tools designed for servicing this type of clamp, such as Special Clamp Tool (6094), or Snap-On Clamp Tool (HPC-20) CAUTION: A number or letter is stamped into the tongue of constant tension clamps. If replacement is necessary, use only an original equipment clamp with matching number or letter. NOTE: Do not waste coolant. If solution is clean, drain the coolant into a clean container for reuse. CAUTION: Tightening the thermostat housing unevenly or with the thermostat out of its recess may result in a cracked housing.
11/22/2009 ...