Hi guys quick question. I need to change my thermostat and was planning on doing it this weekend. Watched a vid on YouTube and the guy drained half a gallon of coolant from his truck to do it. Is that really necessary. My dad never had to do that on his older trucks.

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ive seen it done before without draining any coolant...just make sure the engine is cold

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2021 F150 5.0 Screw

Past:18 F150 2.7, 16 F150 5.0, 14 F150 5.0, 07 F150 5.4, 03 Ranger 4.0

Master Certified Ford Parts / Warranty Admin

It may be he did that just to help prevent any fluid from spilling out of the topend, I have replaced afew t-stats and usually only drained any fluid out for this reason but otherwise I didn't drain anything if I wasn't concerned with spillage.

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91 Ranger 4.0L
5spd
ext cab
4x4
sylvania ultras

That's what I figure thanks.

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What engine do you have? I have the 3.0l and changed mine. Mine was on top of the engine at the front and I changed it without draining any coolant. Very little if ant spilled out.

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2000 Ford Ranger XLT EXT Cab, 3.0 V6 Flex Fuel, Automatic, Drop in Spectre Airfilter, 1 Catalytic Converter, SI/SO Flo Pro Original Muffler with dual exhaust, dual chrome tips at 45 degree angles and more

I have a 3.0 as well. When I changed it tons came out the top end.

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a damn half gallon of fluid will spill onto my alternator if i don't drain prior to pulling the t-stat. (it's a 4banger though)

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1999 xlt 2.5l 5-speed Supercab 159k
83 diesel 2.2l na
06 F250 6.0l psd
{click for lol}

When you think of it logically it is hard to give you an exact answer without telling us what engine you have.......do not collect $200 and go directly to the control panel -> signature-> create a DETAILED signature of your truck......well at least that is what a professional forum user would do

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2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).

^ LOL.

Fluid is going to come out. Either by you draining it before, or by spilling when you take the thermostat top off. Would you like your coolant contained and controlled, to be put back in when you're done? Or would you like it all over the engine and the ground?

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(Formerly)
FireRanger
2003 Edge 4.0 4wd

How to: Aux light wiring, relays, & fuses
Info: 300+ intake threads here on FRF
Info: HID Projectors
How To: NO HEAT Troubleshooting Guide

I changed mine in a mall parking lot. Takes minutes. It's on top of engine, so no draining needed. So what if 1 or 2 cups of A/F spills out? Top it up afterwards.

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1997 4x4 Mazda B4000 SE, Ext.Cab

Some people don't like foul smelling nasty shit all over their engine or on the ground?

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(Formerly)
FireRanger
2003 Edge 4.0 4wd

How to: Aux light wiring, relays, & fuses
Info: 300+ intake threads here on FRF
Info: HID Projectors
How To: NO HEAT Troubleshooting Guide

Maybe the coolant needs to be changed anyways. A signature would be nice

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If you have to many stray cats around that ^^^^^^^^technique is pur-fect!

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2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).

Yea it's a cheap way to control the cat population lol

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that brilliant!

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1999 xlt 2.5l 5-speed Supercab 159k
83 diesel 2.2l na
06 F250 6.0l psd
{click for lol}