I need to change thermostat on Navigator 2000. Can you please shaer the procedure. I have recentlly changed theromostat on my cadillac. For cadillac, I did not open the hose clamp, I directly opened the 3 nuts for thermostat housing and was able to change quite quickly. Any idea how to change thermostat on Navigator 2000. Thanks in advance.

Thanks
John

 

Is the same basically as you described for the cady. The housing is on top of the engine where the radiator hose is. Just two bolts and viola!! very simple. No need to take off the hose unless that would make it easier?? Make sure the put the themostat in right way up!!!!! Notice the one you take out. should be an arrow maybe on it to show flow. The top of the engine it flow out of the engine, bottom is input.

 

Thank you Sselvia. Another related question, when I open the thermostat housing, some coolant will leak out. So when I add coolant, do I need to add any sealer in it? Are there any Lincoln recommendations to add any sealer in the coolant?

Thanks
John

 

No, you do not add any sealer to it.

 

Thanks Alloro.

Sorry to ask a few more questions in this regards

1. Where is drain plug on the radiator? Do I need to remove any shield to access it. Does it open easily with hand? Just want to drain the coolant before changing the thermostat.

2. Thermostat bolts require to be tightened for 18 ft pound. Do I need to get a torque wranch or just tighten it without any torque wranch.

3. When I buy themostat (motorcraft), do I need to buy some "O ring" or the thermostat includes the O ring. Also do I need another gasket called "water outlet gasket / thermostat water outlet" gasket?

Thanks
John

 

1. Don't bother draining it, not much coolant will come out. Just pour some water on the area to flush the coolant away after you're done. But if you still want to drain it, the drain is at the bottom corner, passenger side.

2. If you have a torque wrench use it, but if you don't just tighten by hand but don't crank it too hard.

3. When I bought my t-stat it came with the rubber seal. If your's doesn't, then definitely buy one and DO NOT reuse the old one.

 

Thanks again Alloro!

I hope this will be last question before I change thermostat. Is this radiator drain accessible from bottom of the navigator? Is there any shield to be removed before accessing the drain valve? I hope that I should be able to open the drain valve with hand easily.

Thanks
John

 

Yes its accessible from the bottom and no their is just the bolt it is plastic just remove and drain.

 

You can also access it by turning the wheels all the way left and reaching through the passenger wheel well. It's slightly hidden by the plastic wheel well skirt.

 

Regarding plastic bolt (drain) in radiator, can I open it by hand or I would need to use some socket/wranch. Also when I put it back, do I tighten with wranch and to what torque (foot pound)?

Thanks
John

 

I recall the "bolt being maybe "T" shaped and might require a pair of pliers, maybe a 6" cresent (adjustable) wrench. It's not difficult.......maybe you should have a look and you can answer many of your own questions. You will likely get a bit of coolant once you break loose the themostat housing. Not a lot. You will likely still have it if you drain some coolant out because the thermostat will be closed when it's cool with coolant on the top of it. No big deal, but you might want to have some more on hand for when your done to top it off.

 

It depends on what's in there, you'll have to look first. When I replaced my radiator the drain had wings to grab and turn. My new radiator has a 15mm hex head for me to put a socket on. Just tighten it enough so that it doesn't drip, DO NOT crank it down, you'll strip the threads.

 

Thank you Alloro and all. With all of your information, now I feel confident to replace thermostat and also planning to drain the coolant and refill with fresh (I have original coolant for 2000 navigator.

Thanks
John

 

I have just received thermostat from rockauto. It is a complete unit with water connector. So I will need to remove upper hose. I was thinking that once I remove the clamp, it may not be reusable, so going to buy a new upper radiator clamp from the dealer. The question is, once I put it back, is there any torque requirement so that I dont overtight. Also does the clamp need any special tool to put it back. Can you please share your experience.

Thanks
John

 

Its single digits temperature here and my coolant temp gauge was low and the heat was not that hot. I figured it was the thermostat from another forum and this thread was the only thread or info I found on the 32valve 5.4L thermostat. I was able to do it within 20 minutes in my driveway with bare hands in 7F. Afterwards heat blows so much hotter I can't hold my hand next to the vent. Thanks a lot (OP too) for detailing the procedure. The only thing I would add is that on a 03 it is on the top but on the passenger side aligned horizontally.