Genuine Acura Legend Thermostat

Acura Legend Thermostat Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Thermostat Assembly (Nippon Thermostat)
  19301-PAA-306
  Q: How to replace a thermostat in a cooling system on an Acura Legend?

  A:

  To see if the thermostat causes cooling problems, first check your coolant level, drive belt tightness, and how well the temperature gauge reads. When the heater or temperature gauge shows delays while the car warms up, a stuck-open thermostat usually causes the problem and requires a replacement. When your engine is running too hot, check the upper radiator hose's temperature to see if heat escapes; if the hose is cold even though the engine is running, the thermostat is stuck open and needs to be replaced. Caution: Run your car at your own risk when the thermostat is missing, or the vehicle's computer might work in a reduced efficiency mode to waste gas and create more pollution. You know for sure that the thermostat is open when the upper coolant hose stays warm. Before working on the car's cooling system, remove the negative battery cable. Also empty the coolant by draining it, and if the fluid is in great shape, store and use it again. Follow the upper radiator hose to find where the thermostat is located. On a Legend, go below the throttle body to see the thermostat, and you may have to remove the intake air duct first. Release the hose clamp from the hose connection, and remove it if it's stuck. Use pliers to twist and split the hose, or cut it off completely if it is old and worn. The mating fitting to the hose has to go before we can replace it if it's damaged by corrosion or pitting. Reach behind the housing outlet using a screwdriver to take off all bolts, then gently remove the outlet while keeping track of where brackets go for easy reinstallation. A soft-face hammer can help break loose a stuck cover while you prepare for coolant to leak out. Take the thermostat out, mark its original spot through the jiggle pin going up, and scrub all remaining old gasket material from the housing and output connections. First, put a new rubber seal around the thermostat. Place the fresh thermostat in the housing without adding sealant to it. Ensure that the jiggle pin stays on top and that the spring end points toward the engine when you fit everything in place. Slide the outlet cover back into place. Screw in the bolts, tightening them to the correct force listed in the manual. Slightly reconnect the hose by securing the clamp with small tugs, and put back everything taken out along the way. Place the new thermostat in the housing, bolt everything back together, fill up your coolant, turn the engine on and let it heat up naturally, watch for leaks, and make sure the heating system works well.