fuslove

Hey whats up my peeps; I recently changed my thermostat due to over heating and now the bottom of it leaks to no end. I took the cover off and reset it but it still leaks. WTF can I do next? I was thinking maybe I forgot to put a sealant or something...help, help, help!

SupraManAG

for sure take it back apart and replace the seal

npchottboi

hey do you have a DIY on the thermostat?? is it easy to do? cause my car is overheating too and i dont know if i should just take it to the shop or do it myself! i have a 99 3.0 cl thanks in advance!!

CL'er 1st & 2nd Gen's

You can try a search for a DIY. You can get the thermostat at the auto parts store for about $35. The thermostat is down where the bottom radiator hose goes into the block. Do this when the engine is cool (of course). Then you'll need to refill the radiator when done.

fuslove

Well I have a 97 2.2 and my thermostat is located right underneath the cold air intake connection. Its a pretty simple thing to change but that bottom screw is quite a bitch to get at. The thermostat only cost me $17 from struass here in NY. If you want I'll take a picture of my thermostat location.

SwervinCL

Thermostats are 10-15 bucks.

Did you buy the seal as well. YOU HAVE TO PUT THE SEAL IN!

SwervinCL

BTW, You will NEVER have any metal to metal connections in/on the engine. There will ALWAYS be some kind of gasket.

fuslove

P.S. to install the thermostat you first need to remove the cold air intake then drain the radiator from the hose connected to the bottom of the radiator. Then follow the the top radiator hose to the back of the engine right next to the cold air intake there the thermostat will be located remove the hose and cover (2 screws holding it in place). Some fluid should drain then reomve the old gasket and thermostat and then install the new one, reverse your removal steps and everything should be ok or like mine (leaking to no end). Good luck

fuslove

I have good news.... I think, the leak stopped. Either one of two things happened

1. I ran out of anti-freeze or
2. The new seal finally kicked in and sealed.
I will let you guys know in the next day or so wether I still have an engine or not

SupraManAG

You people are talking like your car overheating is no biggy. You do realise that you do major damage to your engines everytime it overheates.

If your leak stopped it might mean that your antifreeze levels are too low and it isnt circulating.

ib_jimmy

^^ new gasket done just kick in a few days later. it either leak right after you put it in wrong or later.

fuslove

^^ Hence me saying I will let you know if I have an engine or not.

ib_jimmy

just take it out and slip in a new gasket to be for sure.

jimmyeatmud

oh hell, wrong thread. I thought this had something to do with my crap climate control thermostat.

SupraManAG

ajtcl

a coolent leak is a BIG deal, not only is it bad for the environment, but your engine will burn up oil, loose compression and eventually, the block or head will crack, and then well... you might as well scrap that bitch. So get it right, or take to someone who knows what they are doing... You are gonna hate yourself otherwise.

ib_jimmy

fuslove

I mean I need a new engine anyway but i would hate for this crap to end on me now knowing spring is coming... damn. I'll poor more anti into it and see what happens. Funny thing is it doesn't over heat anymore and I let it run for over 45minutes.

ib_jimmy

engine running for 45min with the car in one place? or running around? cuz its cold now and the cold could of been keeping it cool. if its running for 45min in one place....then i think its fine.

fuslove

The leak stopped and I did no adjustment, So I guess it did seal on its own or maybe the thermostat did not open to allow the freeze to flow. either way its fine now. Thanks for the insight everyone