replacing my thermostat in 01 f150 and need help!

[waxworm09]

This is my first time replacing a thermostat. I got the bracket out of the way and the hose off. I see the thermostat and it is in there very tight. I tried to pull on the top of it with a pliers and it won't budge. Am I doing something wrong???

[waxworm09]

It looks like the oring is keeping the thermostat from moving it is wedged down in there. I am guessing by the looks of it the oring goes around the metal housing that screws onto the top of the thermostat connected to the radiator hose? I think its in the wrong place and that's my issue but not positive.

[StillwaterAaron]

There are some videos online that could help you quicker than waiting for a reply on here.

I will give you the tip of having a towel on the engine to prevent the coolant from soaking your spark plugs and COPs on the engine. I let the coolant flow and it caused more damage to 2 of my COPs. I assume it is a 5.4 Liter. Common engine so a youtube video will be great for you.

[waxworm09]

I have watched about 10 videos so far and there are only a couple for this truck, not very good videos either.

[Scott K]

the oring lays ontop of the stat, the stat just sets in the hole. The housing sits on top of the oring, and the stat. If you cant get the stat out of the hole, just pry harder with the pliers.

[waxworm09]

Figured it out, just had to get the boring out with a screwdriver. Thanks for the tips.

[waxworm09]

Well I have an issue after getting the thermostat installed. The truck runs fine and the heat is much warmer, the temp gauge is back to normal so the thermostat fixed the problem. However I have driven the truck twice since installing. It starts and idles fine until the engine warms up and I put in park, the rpms jump to 2200, I put back in drive and goes back to normal. Then I shut the truck off and restart, it idles fine. I'm thinking the 3/4 gallon of antifreeze that spilled on the motor may have gotten something wet? Anyone know what the issue would be?

[waxworm09]

Seems like maybe something got wet, I have been in and out of the truck all day so far today and it idles fine now. Hoping something got wet and just had to dry.

[StillwaterAaron]

Waxworm that is why I suggested you have a towel to soak up water. There are many parts that can get wet because of the way they designed the engine.

[waxworm09]

The only problem was I got your suggestion after I had removed the hose and it drained out, otherwise I would have taken your advice. I'll check out that forum, thanks