Chev. Blazer Thermostat Replacement

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PAkev

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Sep 9, 2002
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665
My 1998 Blazer temp guage spikes to about 240 degrees and then goes back to around 190-210 when I put it in neutral and hit the gas pedal a few times. To me this is a classic indication of needing a thermostat replacement. I'm kind of handy and do most of my preventitive maintenance but don't want to get in over my head with this. I replaced one other themostat in my lifetime in a Ford Escort which was fairly simple.<br /><br />Is this something that can be done on an evening after work or should I plan spending a weekend?<br />Does anyone have experience or any helpful info to offer in replacing the thermostat.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Kevin
 
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rwise

Captain
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Jul 5, 2001
Messages
3,205
Re: Chev. Blazer Thermostat Replacement

Kevin<br />It should be fairly simple to do. Sounds like it could just be low on coolant, but check the belt also. Post what engine you have and someone should be able to help.<br />Richard
 
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ndemge

Commander
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Jul 15, 2002
Messages
2,644
Re: Chev. Blazer Thermostat Replacement

easy job...<br /><br />I Did it on my '94 blazer,.. same 4.3 Motor as yours. Do it yourself and save the $<br /><br />...Did you check your coolant level by chance?<br />replaced the t-stat in my minivan few months back because it would overheat whe idleing... found it was a leaking tank<br /><br />...just make sure you clean that old gasket off REALLY good.
 
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PAkev

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Sep 9, 2002
Messages
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Re: Chev. Blazer Thermostat Replacement

Thanks Guys,<br /><br />The motor is indeed the Vortec 4.3L which I have been satisfied with. The coolant level was a little down but not a whole lot and I usually flush and refill the radiator with fresh coolant / anitfreeze every fall. I also heard that since these are pressurized cooling systems a leaky radiator cap can also cause overheating, so I may end up changing it also just to know I turned over that stone and don't end up stuck somewhere on the account of a $10.00 part. I plan stopping at the auto parts store to get a thermostat and radiator cap on my way home from work tonight and give it a whirl. <br /><br />Thanks again,<br />Kevin
 
POINTER94

POINTER94

Vice Admiral
Joined
Oct 12, 2003
Messages
5,031
Re: Chev. Blazer Thermostat Replacement

Go to the Autozone web site. They have step by step instructions complete with pictures and part numbers to walk you through most standard replacement parts on most domestic engines.<br /><br />Good luck :)
 
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SoulWinner

Commander
Joined
Apr 16, 2002
Messages
2,423
Re: Chev. Blazer Thermostat Replacement

This is an easy fix. Drive your truck to the Toyota dealership. Trade it for a Tacoma 4x4. Problem solved :D
 
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ndemge

Commander
Joined
Jul 15, 2002
Messages
2,644
Re: Chev. Blazer Thermostat Replacement

SW..... <br /><br />Drive up here so I can kick ya in the nads!<br /><br />..... Email me, I'll give you my phone # so when your toyota dies on the way up north, i can come pick you up in my chevy :)
 
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PAkev

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 9, 2002
Messages
665
Re: Chev. Blazer Thermostat Replacement

Picked up thermostat, radiator cap, and a quart of radiator flush for less than $20.<br /><br />SW... Not sure if you knew it or not but we have mountains and snow here in PA !<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Kevin
 
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Rick Byers

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Oct 20, 2001
Messages
82
Re: Chev. Blazer Thermostat Replacement

PAkev don't put that flush in you Radiator. It will ruin the White metal Plastic thing called a radiator. You won't believe what happens to plastic radiator tanks when that stuff called flush reacts to it. Rick
 
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ndemge

Commander
Joined
Jul 15, 2002
Messages
2,644
Re: Chev. Blazer Thermostat Replacement

melt the tank away?<br /><br />.... get that Tstat changed Pakev?
 
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