Thermostat replacement

Tiny
ALLIE KATT
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 FORD CONTOUR
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
I replaced the thermostat and hose on my car now it's leaking from the housing. I can't afford a new housing unit. Is there any cars that are compatible with the car I have?
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Friday, December 21st, 2018 AT 2:25 PM

17 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,014 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

If the thermostat is leaking, chances are it just needs resealed. As far as other vehicles compatibility with your vehicle, you would have to actually look at them to confirm they are the same. It seems like everyone of them are different in some way.

Now, can you tell me where it is leaking from? Is it the hose, where the housing mounts, or is the housing cracked? Also, when you installed the new thermostat, was the housing and where it mounted clean and dry? Are you sure the thermostat was properly positioned prior to installing the housing? Was the gasket/o-ring in good condition?

Here is a link that shows how in general one is replaced. Make sure you followed these directions.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle for replacement. Read through them to confirm you did everything it shows. The attached pictures correlate with these directions.

______________________________

PROCEDURES
Removal
1. Drain the cooling system.
2. Disconnect the thermostat hoses.
3. Remove the thermostat cover.
1 Remove the three bolts.
2 Remove the cover.
4. Remove the thermostat.

Installation
1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
2. Refill the cooling system.

____________________________

Let me know. If you plan to get one from another vehicle, it will have to be the same model year, engine, and then you would have to confirm it is the same.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe
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Friday, December 21st, 2018 AT 5:41 PM
Tiny
ALLIE KATT
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Yes, I cleaned and dried the housing area and the gasket is new. I put it in correctly. Lol It is not a difficult replacement. No I don't believe it's coming from the hose because I replaced the hose that goes from the radiator to thermostat housing. I think the housing my be cracked where I can't see it. I'll send a video a little later.
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Saturday, December 22nd, 2018 AT 5:00 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,014 POSTS
Welcome back:

It sounds like you have the same luck as me. lol If you can, pressure test the system to help determine where the leak is coming from. Here is a link that shows how it's done. I realize most people don't own a pressure tester, but nearly all parts stores will lend one to you with the hope of selling parts.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

If you find the housing is leaking, price an aftermarket one. Companies make them really cheap. You could also check on line. I replaced a coolant flange for a customer on a VW a week ago. The part was $20.00 at the parts store, but he found it online (and I'm not making this up) for $2.95 plus shipping. Total was $4.95. There are a lot of aftermarket manufacturers such as Dorman, Mahle, National, that make great products at excellent prices.

Regardless, let me know what you find. However, I do suggest pressuring the system to confirm where the leak is coming from. It could be something as simple as a hose clamp; especially if you reused the old ones.

Take care and let me know if I can help.

Joe
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Saturday, December 22nd, 2018 AT 11:34 AM
Tiny
PATRICKWEAVER2008
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 FORD CONTOUR
1999 Ford Contour 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

How to change the Thermostat and where is it located
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Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 AT 12:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/99387_Graphic1_532.jpg


Disconnect the camshaft position sensor electrical connector. Disconnect the coolant hoses and position to one side. Unscrew (3)bolts and remove the thermostat housing
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Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 AT 12:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TWALSH
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 FORD CONTOUR
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 75,000 MILES
Where is thermostat located, how difficult to change?
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Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 AT 12:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
V6 2.5Lengine
disconnect battery ground terminal
drain coolant system
remove air cleaner
remove engine plastic cover
disconnect hoses
remove thermostat housing

remove the two bolts separate the hosing
remove and replace thermostat


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/99387_25count_1.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/99387_25_count_1.jpg

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Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 AT 12:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROSIETOES
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1998 FORD CONTOUR
  • 15,000 MILES
My thermostat was not reading any temp for 2 week then it ran halfway upon starting it and climbed to just under hot. I got a new thermostat installed by a mechanic and it still reads halfway when I start my car. It doesn't go down to cold. Can I drive with it reading halfway upon starting and hot while driving?
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Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,014 POSTS
Has the sending unit been checked?
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Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROSIETOES
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I dont know actually.
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Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,014 POSTS
The temp sending unit is what sends the info to the gauge. It sounds like it may be the problem. Check wiring to make sure nothing is damaged.
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Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROSIETOES
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I replaced the thermostat again it fixed it
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Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 AT 12:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,014 POSTS
Nice work, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.
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Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 AT 12:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JMD1984DAWGS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1995 FORD CONTOUR
I was wanting to know how to change the thermostat on the ford contour its a 1995 model can you please help me
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Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 AT 12:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Hello,

Here is a guide to help you see what you are in for when doing the job.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

Check out the diagrams (Below) both engines

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers
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Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 AT 12:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
STORMBRINGER1
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1995 FORD CONTOUR
  • 130,000 MILES
I want to change my thermostat but I am unsure which part of the housing do I remove the part that is attached to the block with the sensor or the part that is attached to that with the two hoses their is three bolts on the housing but the bottom one is blocked by a clamp having a hard time getting it to move it is a spring clamp.
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Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 AT 12:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
The location of the thermostat is :
On the engine end of the upper rad hose. Make sure when you replace it the spring goes toward the engine.
The clamp needs to be squeezed together and reused, ther eis special tool for that try an auto parts for rental
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Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 AT 12:24 PM (Merged)

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