I'm changing out a bad thermostat for a new one today. Can anyone walk me through this process? I'd like to get this done today with as few hassles as possible. Going to use 180 Degree to help keep the engine from knocking.

Help please!

 

Its realy simple. But the alt. can get in the way. So it is best to move it out of the way then it is even easyer to do it. Drain the radator so you dont have fuild go everwhere. The 180 deg may help with pinging. Spark plugs will help even more. They are cheep. $6 for all 6. autolight 3923. These are 1 step colder then stocks. They did help elemenate pinging for me. Also remember now that your going to 180 deg your coolennt gauge will be a lot lower. For me its at the first line of the gauge. And of coarse remember to change the gasket too.

 

I did thermostat changes 4 times before I followed the official 1995 Ram FSM instructions and removed the 14 bolts from the accessory bracket so that you can do the thermostat change and gasket correctly ... and you can check/replace the bypass hose. It was surprisingly easy and fast compared to 'going down the hole'

put a 'cigarette paper thin' coating of Blue RTV on both sides of the gasket and let it set up & cure for at least 16 hours before firing the engine up

180 degree thermostats do not decrease pinging on 1995 Magnum 5.9 v8s
205 degree thermostats do not increase pinging either

 

Just don't put it in upside down. Pay attention to the one you remove.

 

Just replaced one on my 3.9. Yeah, the 14 bolt method, way easier, or you can saw off the little nub that says "front" on it and move the alternator brace out the way. I sawed the nub off on my 5.2, miserable piece of, I mean, yeah, um it was a fun job...not. On my 3.9 I was able to do it with only moving the alternator bracket over. Be sure you can get straight at the bolts when tightening, other wise they will go in cocked and you'll need to retap the holes, use a little sealant and let it set before firing up.

 

maybe i just have small hands, but I had no problem without moving much of anything but the cables and such that were in the way... granted it could be even easier and I don't even know it.

 

I am going to tackle the water pump tommorrow and I got a new thermostat while I am at it. Where can I find instructions for this "15 bolt method"?

 

In the FAQ there is servace manuals listed. You can check there. For me I always had enough room with the alt out of the way. The way I see it is 2 bolts or 14. But For you dbilik you will need to get that deep into it.

 

DONE AND DONE! Thanks guys!