Changing thermostat

Oakenthror · 2023-03-18T16:35:51-0400

So I’m changing the thermostat on my 94 ZJ with the 5.2 for the first time. Anything I should watch out for?

Vic Denim · 2023-03-18T17:05:05-0400

You can take the belt off and unbolt the alternator so it will slide over and give you more room to work. Helped me out a bunch.

wingless · 2023-03-18T18:11:36-0400

Welcome to the forum.

Yes, negative battery lead disconnected, belt removed and alternator set aside provides more room. Probably wouldn't attempt w/o at least that level of disassembly.

The Dorman 902318 thermostat housing is a nice replacement for the OEM part that likely has age degradation.

jeepjeepster · 2023-03-18T18:28:13-0400

Wasn't there an aluminum housing you could buy? Seems like you could buy it from advance auto... Read that many years ago and meant to buy some but never got a round-tu-it.

speedbrake · 2023-03-18T18:52:42-0400

jeepjeepster said:
Wasn't there an aluminum housing you could buy?

There was. Went thru trying to hunt one down 2 years ago. A few places still have it listed online, use the cast aluminum pic in the ad, and will even let you order it….then the stamped steel one shows up. I gave up.. Unobtainium.

riiz · 2023-03-18T19:16:54-0400

You dont need to remove anything to replace thermostat. But I recommend replacing the housing at the same time, because they are pretty corroded after being in service for over 25 years.

Bronco2fan · 2023-03-19T10:44:34-0400

Nobody said hoses and new clamps too lol. Take pics so you don't forget how it came apart lol.

Boone96ZJ · 2023-03-20T10:06:38-0400

I did the suggested method of removing alternator. I left the tab that said "FRONT" on it. I forgot to put some sealant on the bolts then and it leaked. FSM says you can just remove it without taking anything off so I tried, but I the tab prevented that. I cut the tab off of mine that said "FRONT". I ended up doing the hughes plenum a few months later and I was able to pull the housing out that time without unbolting anything (I only did it to try for future knowledge in case I had to take it off again). After doing the plenum and sealing bolts and what not, it's been untouched since then (June 2017).

Oakenthror · 2023-03-21T14:05:23-0400

Thank you all for the help! I got everything changed out just to for the water pump to throw up all the coolant

speedbrake · 2023-03-21T15:26:22-0400

Welcome to the Jeep world!😂

Changing thermostat

Top Contributors this Month