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Sam
Dodge Dakota
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2/12/2003
16:35:43

Subject: 4.7 thermostat install help???
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Where is the thermostat located on the 4.7 and do I need to drain the coolant to do it?? I've looked at the engine but I cant figure it out.



Glenn
Dodge Dakota
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2/12/2003
18:41:11

RE: 4.7 thermostat install help???
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The stat on the 4.7 is located on the bottom radiator hose where it meets the block (passenger side). You have to remove the bottom splash guard and you will see it. Yes, you do have to drain the coolant, but you can do that when you loosen the bolts to the stat housing. There are some other quirks too. You will have to file a notch into the flange of the new stat to match one in the stock stat. There is a ridge on the inside of the gasket that will fit into this slot. It will all be clear when you take it apart grasshopper.

Glenn



Texas Todd
Dodge Dakota
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2/13/2003
08:28:38

RE: 4.7 thermostat install help???
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And to add what the honorable Glenn has said,

Just unbolt the lower hose housing thats on the block, lower Passenger side. The hose is flexible, so you don't have to take it off-saves alot of time and trouble if you leave it on the housing. The housing is PLASTIC.

Put a pan under and catch whatever fluids come out there. You DON'T have to 'drain' the coolant.

What ever comes out, pour back in the RADIATOR CAP, not the over flow tank.

Notch the new t-stat, as Glenn said, you'll see, look carefully. USE THE SAME RUBBER GASKET, NO SEALER, ETC. YOU DON'T NEED TO DRILL ANY HOLES!, YOU CAN IF YOU WANT, BUT WHY?

This sounds like I'm being degrading when I say, Don't overtighten the two 8mm bolts! But I'm not, It's easy to do, and luckily, I'm NOT talking from personal experience on the stripping the threads! Others have that posted it.

And yes, I've done this, about 2 yrs ago. Get rid of the belt clutch/fan while you're at it!-you DON'T need it!



Glenn
Dodge Dakota
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2/13/2003
10:26:32

RE: 4.7 thermostat install help???
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Todd,

Do you just remove the fan itself or the whole assembly, pully and all. If that is the case is there a different belt to get and routing pattern. This is not a common practice in the durango circles so I am not familiar with this practice.

Glenn



Texas Todd
Dodge Dakota
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2/13/2003
10:55:09

RE: 4.7 thermostat install help???
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Glen,

Well, it's common in the DAK circles, it is the same 4.7, and the daks, I'm assuming the durangos also, come with a big elec fan stock.

NO, the pulley is pressed on at the factory, the fan/clutch DON'T hold it on!

In short, put a big pipe wrench on the large nut in the center of the shaft, tap it with a hammer, and take the whole assembly off. the pulley WON'T go anywhere, same belt, it turns the water pump.

Please do a search on this site regarding this, PLENTY of info!-this is where I found out about it 2yrs ago! PS-Mine NEVER gets hot, and I live in south TX.



Glenn
Dodge Dakota
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2/13/2003
17:35:04

RE: 4.7 thermostat install help???
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Thanks. I will do a search, but one quick question: Did you notice a marked improvement in power or mileage by ditching the fan?

Glenn



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