Mustang Chrome Thermostat Housing (1965-1995) Installation Instructions
The Chrome Thermostat Housing with an O-Ring Style will fit 1965-1995 289/302/351W Mustangs.
If the thermostat housing on your Mustang is corroded, or you're upgrading your engine bay with tons of chrome dress-up parts, CJ Pony Parts has a perfect reproduction Chrome Thermostat Housing with an O-Ring Style, which will fit your 1965-1995 289/302/351W Mustangs.
Tools Required:
- Container for Coolant
- Gasket Scraper
- Socket Wrench & Extension
- 1/2-inch Socket
- 1/2-inch Wrench
- Slotted Screw Driver
Install Difficulty:
- Moderate Project
1. To start installing your new Mustang chrome thermostat housing, let the engine cool completely before you begin work. Remove the radiator cap. Place the container under the radiator drain which is on the left side of the lower tank. Drain the coolant into the container. Close the drain and set the coolant aside.
2. Locate the thermostat housing. Remove the Mustang radiator bypass hose and the upper radiator hose. Most band clamps can be loosened with a slotted screwdriver, but some may require a wrench or a socket. If the hoses don’t come of easily, use a screwdriver to pry them off or, if you plan to replace the hoses, use a knife to cut them free .
3. Now that the hoses are out of the way, you can use your 1/2-inch wrench or socket/ratchet/extension to remove the two bolts that hold the housing on. Pry the old housing off with a slotted screwdriver and clean the mounting surface with a gasket scraper.
Consider replacing your Mustang thermostat before you continue. Make sure your thermostat is oriented as shown if the photo, with the spring towards the intake manifold.
4. Place the O-ring in the new Mustang thermostat housing and bolt it in place. Before tightening the bolts reach into the housing and align the thermostat into position in it’s recess by reaching into the housing. Once you are sure the thermostat is in place tighten both bolts evenly with the 1/2-inch wrench. Reattach the hoses and tighten the clamps.
5. Refill the radiator with coolant. If you choose not to reuse the coolant you drained, make sure you dispose of it properly. Start engine and check for leaks. After the engine has reached operating temperature, shut it off and let it cool, then recheck coolant. The installation of your new Mustang chrome thermostat housing is now complete.
