How to Replace Engine Coolant Thermostat | 1995 Ford F150

[@borderlineiq]

I never studied engines. It's good to learn the basics. Even my grandmother took powderpuff mechanics at our local vo-tech. I'm behind the curve.

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Jason Anders Me either. I learned as I pulled them apart and used the repair manuals. That’s cool! It’s definitely good for people to have some familiarity with engines. At least so they know what a mechanic is talking about when they take their vehicle in for repairs.

[@Pzkpfw-Tiger-Ausf.-B]

Thank you…. Are you god or an angel…. I was looking all over my engine couldn’t find it…. And it’s right there

[@OliverKoolO]

Thumbs up for mentoning other types of thermostats.

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Random is Oliver Thanks man!🤙

[@ibandageyou]

Good video, but I'd love to see the process start with the hose removal. That "before" visual helps me orient myself through your shoulder level close-ups which are some of the webs best. Thanks for the video!

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Nick Thanks man!🤙 I’ll keep that in mind if I shoot a similar video. Anyhow, thanks for watching!

[@joedirt7091]

Does your turck have the 5.0 302 or the 5.8 351 or the 4.9 straight six engine?

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Joe Dirt It’s 5.0 302.

[@austinwhite6213]

What was the placement of the thermostat where did that little tab need to sit up down to the side?

[@TheMinuteMasters]

I believe the bottom.

[@Stl515273]

The thermostat has to go back in a certain way because of how the housing is made. It has a little lip where an OEM thermostat you put in then twist to almost lock it in.

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Mykhael Hayes Thanks man! Good to know!

[@carloscarnero2786]

Do all thermostats lock in I have 1990 f150 and I think I installed my thermostat wrong because the gauge is only reading a quarter above the cold temp on the gauge maybe Its not getting up to regular temp because the thermostat

[@NordlandMTG]

@@carloscarnero2786 i guess i have the same Problem.

[@ChillingwithMalc]

@@NordlandMTG same problem too.

[@erik5645]

@@carloscarnero2786did you ever find out if it does go back a certain way? I have the same issue

[@josephbragdon1316]

How did you know you needed to replace the thermostat? My 1996 Ford F150 isn't showing over heating and I have coolant, I'm replacing the coolant temp sensor, and the sender, because its not showing up on my gauge cluster inside the truck. I believe there's a receiver on the gauge cluster, any input? @Minute Masters

[@TheMinuteMasters]

I think the gasket was leaking and decided to replace the thermostat while I was at it. Typically, if your thermostat malfunctions your engine should overheat or at least your engine temps should get higher than usual.

[@josephbragdon1316]

@TheMinuteMasters mine showed barely in the normal on the Guage only reason I'm replacing it. Also there is a little pool of coolant to the right of the thermostat trying to figure out where that comes from. Pressure test should confirm.

[@alor5009]

Thank you for the video! Question, what size were the bolts for the thermostat housing?

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Allen Denson No problem man!🤙 Like what size wrench to use or like you need a new bolt?

[@alor5009]

I lost my top bolt...lol the bottom was a 1/2 but believe it or not my top bolt was around a 14mm / 9/16. Was it 1/2 for both for you?

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Allen Denson I believe both were 1/2 because I used my English set of wrenches. However, I have no idea what the thread pitch and diameter of the bolt. Did you drop the bolt into the engine bay?

[@Cumminspower187]

13mm on a 94 F150

[@arcadejac1287]

Hey Stevie! Is the thermostat the same thing as the coolant temperature sensor? I have a 1987 with an unusual problem that seems to be related directly to temperature. After ~30 minutes of driving. The truck stalls out and won’t start until cool again. Fuel supply and delivery are good and the starter is cranking fine! When cold it starts like a champ! I was wondering if you had similar symptoms that led you to replacing it. I am going to try this! Thanks I’m advance for answering.

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Hi Justin! The thermostat is all mechanical. It blocks the flow of coolant until the engine reaches a certain temperature and then it opens. I would look somewhere else along the coolant system for a temperature sensor. I’m not entirely aware of one but they do exist.

[@arcadejac1287]

@@TheMinuteMasters Thanks for the speedy reply! One reason I am hesitant to replace the thermostat is that my truck holds temperature really well. My problem seems to be related to a component getting too hot and causing the truck to stall. Perhaps ignition/distributor/spark related. I will search your videos to see if you have anything of the sort!

[@brandonking1709]

I just spent a long time chasing down this exact problem in my 4.9L. It was the ECM.

[@arcadejac1287]

@@brandonking1709 Hey Brandon, thanks for taking the time to help me troubleshoot. I solved my problem, too. It was the ignition pickup wires coming out of my distributor. A new distributor fixed my problem. Turns out, a wire was partially severed and resting on the engine block. When the block was cold, it would crank right up, but when it reached a certain temp, electricity would no longer flow properly until it cooled to whatever temp didn’t inhibit the flow of electricity. It cranks better than ever now and it turns out that these wires cause a lot of problems for f150 drivers like us. Keep an eye on those wires!

[@NordlandMTG]

@@brandonking1709 what is ECM?

[@NicholasMena]

What did you use for the bottom bolt of the housing none of my wrenches fit

[@TheMinuteMasters]

I used a shorty wrench to reach the bolt. I think a slim wrench could do the same thing.

[@jtmacready]

did you use any sealer? I did and as soon as I got it all back together it leaked all over my driveway like a sieve! best practice to go gasket only?

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Jereme Macready I used a Fel Pro thermostat gasket. I did put some sealer around the bolts though.

[@micahparkhurst4137]

If you are going to use a sealant at any point. It’s gotta set for a certain amount of time and it’s best to not use too much or it’s a pain to get off the next time you change that part. Other than that you just gotta make sure the thermostat was set correctly and didn’t fall out of place.

[@TheLANDSQUID]

Any tips? I'm in same place now..replaced old thermostat which was basically glued into place by gunk..thing is it wasn't leaking.. if it was it was minor. After replacing and re-attaching housingI experienced crazy leaking just like you. Then I decided to torque the bolts more and now I cracked the housing! I didn't use any sealant and was wondering if that was where I failed?

[@jamesvertrees5857]

To remove the bolt that is difficult to get to I used a brake removal tool. It had the right angle but the walls of the wrench were too thick to fit. Ground down the walls of the wrench to fit. It was short turns but it was easier than removing all that extra shit.

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Good tip! 🤙 I thought about grinding one of my wrenches before. There’s a company that makes thin profile wrenches now.

[@MikeJones007]

What tool?

[@groovygimmicks7169]

this is an amazing video, it’s been very helpful for my brain. my 1995 thanks you

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Thanks man!🤙 I appreciate it.

[@jamesmitchell2804]

Did you use an after market gasket or did you get it from the dealership? My thermostat gasket keeps leaking no matter how tight the bolts are. I'm being told I need to get the gasket from the dealership. Not sure why it matters.

[@TheMinuteMasters]

That’s weird. I used a Felpro gasket and used RTV to seal the bolts. It’s still water tight. You can always forgo the gasket and use straight black RTV.

[@rockieyk1122]

I had that issue. I found that some of the aftermarket thermostats are a tad bit smaller than the original & i believe its leaking coolant through.

[@miguelgarcia3178]

Do you put zilicine ir just the gasket

[@TheMinuteMasters]

So if I remember correctly, I actually used both the gasket and permatex gasket maker.

[@miguelgarcia3178]

@@TheMinuteMasters but do you put silicone both sides or just one side

[@TheMinuteMasters]

@@miguelgarcia3178 I believe I did both sides.

[@samuelnewchurch4805]

Why does engine coolant over temperature indicator stay on after been shut off for hours thanks can I drive it home or need to be towed .

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Like the needle still points above temperature? Does it still read high after the truck is off and sits a while?

[@carloscarnero2786]

Which way was the pin on the old thermostat before you replaced the new one

[@carloscarnero2786]

I installed the new one and didn't realize there was a certain way to install em till it was already out so I think my thermostat is only heating up so much because the gauge only goes so far above the c

[@TheMinuteMasters]

If I remember correctly, I think the pin is at the 6 o’clock position.

[@ianhillman4007]

Could you tell me what year your F150 is?

[@TheMinuteMasters]

1995 F150 with the 5.0.🤙

[@ianhillman4007]

The Minute Masters Thank you. Great video. Thanks for your help🍻

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Ian Hillman You’re welcome! 🤙 I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@christianespinoza4283]

My thermostat gauge is not working at all it’s all the way to the right what is wrong with it Please help I love your videos and thank tou for all your help!

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Hi Christian! Sounds like you are referring to your coolant temperature gauge. That gets feed back from a coolant temperature sensor that screws into the engine block below the throttle body. You’ll have to Google pictures of the location. It should be easy to replace. Thanks man!🤙 I appreciate it! You are most welcome!

[@miguelgarcia3178]

Hey i have questins what size are the bolts and you only need to put the gasket and no silicone right im curiis oh and btw i fixed the intake

[@TheMinuteMasters]

I can’t quite remember. If you have a standard wrench set in SAE and MM, you should be good. I believe I used both gasket maker and the gasket. Technically the gasket is all you need, but the gasket maker it’s my extra insurance against a leak.

[@TheMinuteMasters]

I can’t quite remember. If you have a standard wrench set in SAE and MM, you should be good. I believe I used both gasket maker and the gasket. Technically the gasket is all you need, but the gasket maker it’s my extra insurance against a leak.

[@NordlandMTG]

Do i need an o ring for the thermostat?

[@TheMinuteMasters]

You need a gasket and some RTV. Otherwise, the thermostat installs with no O ring.

[@NordlandMTG]

@@TheMinuteMasters hi, RTV on both sides of the gasket? Tanks.

[@TheMinuteMasters]

@@NordlandMTG I can’t remember exactly what I did. However RTV on both sides of the gasket and under the head of the bolt will definitely ensure a tight seal. If you plan on driving your truck the same day make sure you buy our TV that says “immediate service”. Basically it cures in minutes instead of hours.

[@roberthays6382]

I'm thinking about doing this to my 1989 f150. It has a newly rebuilt engine but the coolant guage inside never really moves off "C". Is this a symptom of a bad thermostat?

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Even after a lot of driving it never moves from the C? Even if the thermostat stuck open eventually it would get the engine hot enough to register. Makes me think maybe your coolant temperature sensor isn’t working properly.

[@roberthays6382]

@@TheMinuteMasters thanks to your video the thermostat doesn't seem too hard to replace. I'm going to do that anyways, but I will attempt to track down a sensor also. Great vid!

[@TheMinuteMasters]

@@roberthays6382 No problem Robert!🤙 It’s definitely an easier fix for sure. Good luck! Thanks!

[@rromero1091]

QUESTION. I have a 93 ford f150 5.0. doesn't over heat. but the reservoir has pressure and popped the cap. and coolant came out. and it bubbles. car didn't over heat is tha the thermostat???? I have a brand new Frostbite aluminum radiator. with new hoses.

[@TheMinuteMasters]

So this can be a couple of things. I’ll start with the cheapest. A bad radiator cap can pop off. The next cheapest to fix is the thermostat. If the thermostat stays closed the coolant will boil and pop the cap. Lastly, your water pump may not be pumping very well, which doesn’t circulate to coolant to cool down.

[@mackendw]

@@TheMinuteMasters or a plugged rad

[@TheMinuteMasters]

@@mackendw Good point👆

[@chrisconsidine4322]

Anybody ever try grinding down that tab on the water pump for socket access?

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Good point!

[@Monstersejas]

What if i got the same code and my vehicle doesnt over heat. Would it still be the thermostat?

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Monstersejas A mechanical thermostat would set off a code. So it would have to be a sensor of some kind. How’s the coolant level?

[@Monstersejas]

@@TheMinuteMasters level is normal, its a 2012 f-150 that i have with 100,000 miles. Im gonna try the thermostat anyway. The code came up and i thought it was false so i cleared it but 2 days after the same code came back again.

[@TheMinuteMasters]

@@Monstersejas I think the newer trucks have an actual sensor somewhere in the coolant system. I would see if you could locate that. What does that code usually indicate according to service manuals?

[@Mango_Caniktp9sf]

That bypass hose looks like it's about to bust.

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Still holding!🤙

[@breci766]

How do i get my gasket to stay in place?

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Breci I usually put a little smear of gasket maker to make it stick. Sometimes a drop of super glue or a little oil can work too.

[@Stl515273]

Gasket I purchased had a sticky side.

[@tophmcgoph9229]

I’m pretty sure the orientation your talking about is the small side towards the radiator not the brass thing....

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Yes that the directional orientation but the brass thing has to be at the bottom of the circle.

[@j.r.thompson5950]

I just got to the point in my resurrection of my 1981 f150 300 cid that I need to back flush my heater core and coolant system It was the original thermostat. Took a torch and a breaker bar to loosen the thermostat housing bolts. I though I might snap them. Lucky I didn't.

[@TheMinuteMasters]

J. R. Thompson Good for you JR! Are you working on the engine bay area and sprucing things up?

[@j.r.thompson5950]

@@TheMinuteMasters Actually, The truck does run, but does not drive brakes and coolant systems. replacing old rubber lines. All has to be visually looked at, inspected and tested.

[@TheMinuteMasters]

J. R. Thompson Gotcha. You’re doing the right thing. Most of the rubber in these trucks is old and dry rotted. Always good to replace them.

[@dee1380]

I replaced mine, leaks like crazy.. Is it because It was sold a paper thin gasket? If so, which one should I buy for a 1990 Ford F150? Thanks in advance..

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Dee 1 Yeah mine leaked too. The thing I tell people about these old trucks is they are new to us when we buy them, but they are in fact old and so are the gaskets. So it’s usually a matter of time before any of the original gaskets leak. The best gaskets on the market for anything are made by Fel Pro. Look up their gasket for the thermostat. Most auto parts stores sell Fel Pro gaskets.

[@dee1380]

@@TheMinuteMasters I bought a new one yesterday, the cheapest one, it was paper thin.. Is the Fel pro thicker, & more reliable? The Motor craft is 8 bucks, but if I can get away with the cheaper Fel Pro, I'll do it.. It's just a task to remove them bolts..ugh..

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Dee 1 I can’t say if Fel Pro is thicker. I haven’t compared a regular gasket with a Fel Pro. All I know is, Fel Pro gaskets work very well. I personally have had no problems with them. Everyone else in the automotive world swears by them.

[@dee1380]

@@TheMinuteMasters Thank u!

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Dee 1 No problem man!🤙

[@leechao9185]

I just changed my thermostat and gasket, no leaks but when I accelerate the temp goes down. Might be coolant overflow, anyone know why? Maybe faulty thermostat??

[@TheMinuteMasters]

That’s definitely weird. I wonder if the sensor is faulty. I assuming you filled the coolant system fully and burped it right?

[@PedroGarcia-zl2ec]

It’s a 1976 Ford F-150 ?

[@TheMinuteMasters]

This is a 1995 F150.

[@yvhvht5637]

Hey so I just got all new oils and now my thermostat reads a little high and idk if my dash dials on the left side is broken or if it's actually hot. Is it required to drain the coolant ?

[@TheMinuteMasters]

So you changed your oil and now your coolant gauge in the truck is reading a little high? You don’t have to change your coolant but it’s not a bad idea. The gauges on these trucks aren’t perfect. My coolant gauge always read a little on the cooler side. My oil gauge will read just a tick high when I have full oil capacity.

[@cristhegearmonkey]

Part number for 351 windsor? Just bought a new baby today after my last one was destroyed by drunk driver lol

[@TheMinuteMasters]

I don’t know the specific part number. Have you checked with local auto parts store?

[@cristhegearmonkey]

@TheMinuteMasters yeah I ended up finding a new therm housing with the oring from holly and the 185 thermostat I think

[@micahfrye8885]

Wanted to see how bad of a job this was couldn’t remember from the last time i did it but the last time i did it i replaced about $300 worth of parts. Might actually have heat this winter.

[@TheMinuteMasters]

It’s pretty straightforward. So hopefully it’s a cheaper less involved fix for you.

[@magicbrainman]

Forgot to show orientation

[@TheMinuteMasters]

The brass weep plug is at the bottom.

[@mikwms63]

You had it all apart. It appears the truck is 20 odd years old. Any repair is only as good as what you don't replace. In this case it would have been a good idea to replace the bypass hose. You can bet that at some point in time, sooner than later, that the bypass hose will fail. When that happens you have to go through the same process removing other engine parts to access the hose. Your repair wasonly as good as what you didn't replace.

[@TheMinuteMasters]

You are definitely right. I believe most of the rubber is in good shape. But I guess we will see.

[@bmfilmnut]

First, I don't think anyone watching this video doesn't know what a thermostat, what it does, or how it works. Second, you really need to specify what engine you are working on because replacing the thermostat is different on different engines. For example, your instructions do now work for an Ecoboost engine which is so prevalent now.

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Bob Miller Thanks for the input man!🤙 I only put f150 in the title to save space. I’ll keep that in mind though!

[@edgardozavalapinet3399]

Doesn’t work for ecoboost engine bruh. Title

[@GeneralSulla]

What does the video title say? 😂

[@charlescarmichael5191]

I didn’t know exactly what’s the thermostat does so I actually learned something from what he said, jackass

[@patrickwall6815]

This entire channel is for OBS right?