How to Replace Thermostat 1988-98 GMC Sierra K1500 V8 5-7L
Created on: 2017-03-23
How to remove, install, or replace a leaking or cracked cooling thermostat gasket housing on 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98 GMC Sierra K1500 V8 5.7L
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step 1 :Draining the Coolant
- Twist off the radiator cap
- Have a drain pan ready
- Twist off the radiator drain plug
- Allow the coolant to drain
- Twist on the radiator drain plug
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step 2 :Removing the Thermostat
- Remove the 14mm nut from the thermostat housing
- Remove the two 13mm studs securing the housing
- Remove the housing
- Remove the thermostat
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step 3 :Installing the Thermostat
- Insert the thermostat into place
- Insert the housing over the thermostat
- Reinstall the two 13mm studs
- Reinstall the ground and 14mm nut
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step 4 :Filling the Coolant
- Add coolant to the coolant bottle using a funnel
- Twist on the radiator cap
- Run the engine briefly
- Add coolant as necessary
Tools needed
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Funnel
13mm Socket
Socket Extensions
14mm Socket
Drain Pan
Ratchet
Anti-Freeze
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Remove your radiator cap by pushing down and turning it counterclockwise. At the bottom of the driver's side of the radiator, you'll see a little thumb screw for your radiator drain. Make sure you have a drain bucket underneath there, then reach down and loosen it by hand. Allow your cooling system to drain and then close the drain on the radiator.
The thermostat housing cover is located at the top center of your engine, just behind the idler pulley. We'll start by removing the 14mm nut that secures the ground straps onto the thermostat housing. Now use a 13mm socket ratchet to remove the two 13mm studs securing the housing. Now remove the housing. Place that out of the way, and remove the thermostat. If it's really stuck in there, you can use a small flat-blade screwdriver to lift it out. Ours just popped right out for us.
Install your new thermostat. Make sure the seal is on there. This will only fit in one way. You want the shorter side facing up. Lay the housing back on, and reinstall the two 13mm studs. Then tighten them down with your 13mm socket ratchet. Reinstall your two grounds and the 14mm nut, and tighten that down with your socket ratchet.
Fill your vehicle with a 50-50 mix of Dex-Cool coolant. We're using the special funnel to show you how much air actually comes out of the system when you do this, but any old funnel will do at home.
To finish bleeding your cooling system, simply leave the radiator cap off, start your vehicle, and set your defrosters or vents to the lowest fan speed and the highest temperature setting. This will allow the heater core to bleed as well. Just run the vehicle. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge. Let it get up to temp and monitor the coolant level inside of your radiator and top off as necessary. You'll notice that there will be several surges where it sort of burps and an air bubble comes out. It loses some fluid. You top it off and this process will probably repeat a few times.
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