First, I want to start off to say that EricTheCarGuy channel is a Fantastic channel. Eric's works on his Honda Element, helps me a lot in understanding my 20 years old CRV Gen 2 and turning that understanding to practical know-hows. About the Thermostat replacement, from my personal experience. I found that there are at least 2 more ways to do it faster or easier or lesser risky in getting striped thread insert at the thermostat housing attached to "block"/water pump/water passage. 1) Mix of access from bottom as shown by Eric and from front after taking out condenser fan/shroud together with the coolant expansion tank. 2) More dismantling works involving other obstructing parts, but easier in taking out thermostat or entire 2-part (upper and lower) thermostat housing. It involves taking out intake manifold unit and work from top only.
Dude I'm so glad we have the same car. I bought my element for 500 bucks and thanx to your videos and 1,000 in parts I have a perfectly running element thanx 2 you. Your the man Eric the car dude! Love my element!
I love all your Element videos, because I have one myself. This one was especially good, because of the camera angles and the lighting (keep up the good work Brian). It really allowed me to see everything you were doing in that dark place where the thermostat was. One thing that I didn't see clearly is how you were able to rev the engine from under the hood. Last time I needed to it, also when changing coolant, I resorted to putting a brick on the gas pedal. :)
Thank you! Im used to working on my classic, cant see a thing in these newer cars ! Nice to get a view b4 hand! I am the Mom! I used your videos before better than most!
I'm about to do the thermostat on our '06 Odyssey today, as well as both hoses, timing belt, water pump, coolant flush, and many suspension and chassis swap-outs. found those handy clip pliers at Harbor Freight yesterday, and I was over the moon because they didn't seem to have any pincer pliers in stock.
Watched this video and don't even have a Honda Element, just enjoy watching your videos no B.S. well done videos. Came here cause X wife has CRV and researching about her timing belt and water pump.
This video makes me appreciate my 1991 Civic Si. Metal thermostat housing: will last forever. Two bolts, and presto, the job's done. I never have to go through this dog-and-pony show that Eric just struggled through. My headlights are glass, too. 27 years since they came out of the factory, and they're not the least bit cloudy. I love this car! Modern Honda can suck my dipstick.
Not sure if you guys cares but if you're bored like me atm you can watch all the latest series on Instaflixxer. Been watching with my gf for the last few weeks =)
Another good Video Eric. I have always enjoyed watching your videos. Admittedly, I've not had as much time to recently, but still enjoy watching them when I get the chance. Keep up the good work, Sir.
I'm really enjoying the Fairmont Project series, but I originally found your channel because of your Honda expertise. So, it's nice to see more repair videos, especially Honda stuff. Thanks for doing what you do.
I recently acquired a really nice southern, rust free 2002 CR-V. Really nice car. Only 160,000 miles on it. One owner. Very solid vehicle. I've been going thru it, changing basic stuff out, fluid, filters, etc. Have come to the conclusion that compared to my old 1997 Corolla, it is much harder to work on. Matter of fact, I was thinking about changing the thermostat out on it, since it seemed to read a bit cool according to the gauge. But after watching this video, not sure if I'm going to attempt it. Might just sell the thing and go out and find another trailer park Corolla. At least the Corolla is easy to work on. Great video, tho. Thank u.
Eric... watch all the time. We have the identical car. That being said, I live in South Florida so I always know whatever job you do will be twice as hard as mine because I don't have all that rust.... thank god.
I don't doubt you at all. YT has been doing things like this for a while now. Not much I can do really except say that I post every Friday on ETCG if nothing else. Sometimes I also post on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but always Fridays.
those hose clamp tools work marvelously 😍 it prevents me from getting my fingers hurt from the clamp springing back and hitting your fingers when using pliers
I'll have you know that I ate pasta while I watched this repair that you did wrong! Kidding shade-tree here and always love little tips here and there while watching over the years.
being inexperienced in car repair,.I dont have the tools or skill to do this "simple"(?!) car repair, but at least I understand what my mechanic has to do.
Eric, those radiator hoses usually utilize an inner O ring to seal. If you put a little silicone paste on them they will go on and off much better. Nice video!
Good thinking on the anti-seize. I use it all the time on anything that causes the sphincter factor taking it apart. I own vehicles for way too long, and it's likely I'll have to go back where I've been years later when things are twice as rusty. Other than the fact that it's messy, it helps.
I turn the heater fan on to confirm proper heat coming out of the vents at a consistent temperature and to ensure the heating system indeed works after working on the cooling system, but probably more relevant with a full flush (including the core).
Hey eric! I got a recommendation, try making your own penetrating fluid, 50/50 mix of atf and acetone, heard its as good if not better than the penetrating fluid you buy at the store, learned that trick from a older mechanic
You're lucky!!! I had to do a thermostat once on a Renault Vel Satis. The bumper, headlight, radiator and ac condenser had to come off. After that I had to use a 5 foot prybar to pry the thermostat off. When it came off flying through the shop I got a coolant shower (and drink). I swore never to do a thermostat on a Vel Satis ever again.
I recently replaced the thermostat on an EP3 Si ('03) with a K20 that was very similar to this. No hyperbole--it was the most frustrating thing I've ever experienced in 15+ years of maintaining my own cars. The Si had almost 17 years of Ohio rust on all three thermostat mounting bolts, so the heads stripped even with those special "rusted bolt" sockets. I ended up just busting up the plastic thermostat housing into several pieces to gain more bolt surface area to grip. Even the catharsis of breaking the old thermostat I had been fighting with for hours was tempered by how damn hard it was to get to. Luckily I had the foresight to order new bolts from Honda (that cost way too much), so it only ate up most of my day.
I fell your pain, replacing thermostat and gasket on 2000 Chrysler Concorde, what a challenge. Remove fan shroud Serpentine belt Alternator Dipstick Hoses,what a job, and on my back in my lane way!.this is my second attempt, first time aftermarket gasket what a nightmare!. Big leaks, second time Orem part and gasket sealer, wish me luck!.
You were so right about those two bolts and clips. I ended up grinding the heads off. The clip rust melded to the threads :( Think I'm going to replace them with plastic bolts or something and hope that does the job.
If im not mistaken, this is the same thermostat that my 2005 Civic Si EP3 uses. Also same layout. Bit of a pain to replace. Yes Hondas use blue coolant. Best thing is to use Honda coolant. Along with OEM thermostat and radiator cap.
I tried going further up the assembly housing but there is one rubber hose that I could disconnect. The other line seems to be plastic and connected up further than I can reach/see. The bolts are not stripped at the head but once I start to loosen them they just spin and won't separate the thermostat housing. I thought about cutting through the bolts and drilling the rest out but I am hoping there is an easier way!! Someone help please!
I enjoy your videos. Even if I don't have the vehicle your working on. Although I do have a 04 Honda CRV and my father has an 06 Honda Element my sister has an 07 CRV and my niece has a 06 CRV. But I fully agree with you with putting anti seize on fasteners makes it so much easier if it ever has to come off again. Thanks for the videos.
Man.. I spent an hour trying to find the slip joint bent pliers Eric was using. It looks like Matco PSJN11B but color is red. Mac makes similar P11HD-B. However, you can get PRO AMERICA 11" XL HEAVY DUTY #5051 for about $33 shipped, those look the same except color of the handles
I have Craftsman's version, and have used (if I remember correctly) Snap-on's version of your Astro Pneumatic hose clamp tool. I love them, let's me use both hands to remove a hose. Snap-on's is better of the two, it has a ratchet to let you choose how far you open the clamp. Craftsman's only has one position
This was very helpful, but how do I differ if my thermostat is bad or it's the coolant temp sensor? I get low temp reading on the highway in my Renault.
Sammy, Ahmose I would think that if your thermostat was bad, it would fail closed, so that even at operating temp it would not open, causing overheating. however even if it somehow failed open it might cause long warm up times but not a low temp reading. So I would suspect your temp sensor first.
You can tell if it is the temp sensor vs thermostat by leaving the car to sit for a long time then compare the temp sensor reading with the ambient temperature using a scan tool. It's best done in a garage or somewhere that isn't windy.
So it may have been a good idea to mark the hose and the plastic connector before you removed it so you didnt have to wonder and fight the orientation for re-installment.
I have learned many many things from Eric, Thank you so much..........but what do you do if those bolts don't want to come out? I'm thinking of changing my thermo before winter hits
I usually put good silicone paste to that hose joint O ring there. That because they are always "rusted" together and in most cases pain in butt to disconnect each other.
This is why I like my old 98 Honda Civic. The Thermostat is not only super easy to get to but the housing for the thermostat is metal.... Stop trying to be Chrysler, Honda.
I'm doing this on a 2 Gen CR-V , or thought I was . Got it on the rack , drained coolant and removed lower rad hose . I could clearly see the bottom bolt and one of top ones and could feel the other top bolt on the thermostat housing . Got my trusty 1/4 ratchet and a 10mm socket on the bolts and I'll be damned if all 3 bolts just spin . Apparently there's threaded brass inserts in the water outlet that are splined and pressed in so the bolts have something to bite in to when you bolt the thermostat on . I'm guessing they were overtorqued at some point or maybe 286K miles have just taken their toll . I just ordered a new housing and o ring for the water pipe . I like the K series ok but B , D , F , and H series seem so much easier to repair and way less plastic bits .
Hey Eric, have you ever used a UView Airlift coolant refiller? They are great for bleeding the air pockets in the engine cooling system and for looking for leaks before adding coolant.
$38.00 for that thermostat assembly is not as bad as I thought it was going to be - I thought from it was going to be a lot higher $75.00+- than that - that hose clamp tool is real nice - made the job a lot easier
I like the spring clamp hose clamps much better than the stainless steel screw type. The automatic taking up of the grip is very nice not to have to retighten clamps over time.
Erick Hey, I'm with you on FB from the very beginning, I watch every episode. Today I found that I spent a big chunk of your life watching movies. Actually, you're such on-screen buddy :). "Stey DIRTY": D
Hey Eric, I have an idea. At you next meetup, you should have your other mustang motor laid out and have your guests build it. So your subscribers have a hand in it.
Eriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiic yourrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr doin' it wroooooooooong ! :o) Geez, plastic thermostat housing. Just another excuse to call it an "assembly" and charge big bucks. Like my Mitsubishi, no external fuel filter. Back in the old days before everything was a money making scam you could buy a high pressure fuel filter for 20 bucks. Now you have to buy the whole fuel pump "assembly" for 380 bucks.
Hey Eric cool video and great camera work...amazing!!! I have a 2002 Nissan Nv with 99,000 km on it here in Thailand. I just had the whole cooling system overhauled, all new hoses, radiator and it looked like they put some white sealant on the water pump? Do you think that maybe the guys just chucked the thermostat because it's such a hot climate here? Didn't see any charge for one on the bill. And do you have any idea if an NV has a timing chain or belt? I've always heard chain cause it's like a truck (actually more like a little El Camino!) Cool little car actually...ever heard of it? Thanks for your videos...really like them...stay warm and DIRTY!!!! ))))
Do you think I should replace my t stat? It’s original 2010 175k Camry LE. Coolant was changed once at around 100k miles. But nothing else was changed in the cooling system.
Great video Eric!!!! Not nearly as bad as replacing the starter witch I did over the weekend. Honda could have did a better design on some of the components but they are good cars. Thanks!!!!
Eric, quick question for you. I did a flush/fill on my 2021 Acura ILX. Used the same funnel as you, and also has no bleeder valve on my car. After I refilled, I only get heat on the High setting? If I try to go to 85, 84, 80, ect… I get like room temperature heat. Any clue why? I burped every bubble out of this thing for 2 days now. To no avail. Any ideas, would be great? Thanks
Can the drain free funnel be used on vehicles with just a coolant tank and no radiator cap? Or is it not needed? And do you do the same process for bleeding on ones with tanks as you did here or does the tank actually help with bleeding?
EricTheCarGuy Thank you! Your an awesome person I’ve learned a lot from you. My 2005 accord 2.4 needs the housing and Thermostat replaced and I’m going to replace the water pump while I’m doing this as a precaution, ALL are OEM, HONDA parts. I noticed they all have O-rings for gaskets haven’t had much experience with these just wanted to make sure no sealer. For these. Thank you again ETCG.
First, I want to start off to say that EricTheCarGuy channel is a Fantastic channel. Eric's works on his Honda Element, helps me a lot in understanding my 20 years old CRV Gen 2 and turning that understanding to practical know-hows.
About the Thermostat replacement, from my personal experience. I found that there are at least 2 more ways to do it faster or easier or lesser risky in getting striped thread insert at the thermostat housing attached to "block"/water pump/water passage.
1) Mix of access from bottom as shown by Eric and from front after taking out condenser fan/shroud together with the coolant expansion tank.
2) More dismantling works involving other obstructing parts, but easier in taking out thermostat or entire 2-part (upper and lower) thermostat housing. It involves taking out intake manifold unit and work from top only.
Dude I'm so glad we have the same car. I bought my element for 500 bucks and thanx to your videos and 1,000 in parts I have a perfectly running element thanx 2 you. Your the man Eric the car dude! Love my element!
IDK why anyone dislikes your videos. Seriously.
I love all your Element videos, because I have one myself. This one was especially good, because of the camera angles and the lighting (keep up the good work Brian). It really allowed me to see everything you were doing in that dark place where the thermostat was.
One thing that I didn't see clearly is how you were able to rev the engine from under the hood. Last time I needed to it, also when changing coolant, I resorted to putting a brick on the gas pedal. :)
This is my top 3 car repair channel's.
#1. Chris Fix.
#2. Eric The Car Guy.
#3. A1Auto.
Also South Main Auto.
mark singer Chris fix, Eric The Car Guy, Scotty Kilmer and Ratchet and Wrenches
check out One Auto he has some great videos
stay away from skotty Killmore, he is a hack.
motoYam82 is quickly becoming one of my favorites as well. Ivan is pretty sharp, he's much more of an electrical guy than mechanical, though.
Thank you! Im used to working on my classic, cant see a thing in these newer cars ! Nice to get a view b4 hand! I am the Mom! I used your videos before better than most!
Just bought one of those hose clamp tools, I no longer feel like i'm holding an unpinned grenade with some long nosed vice grips :)
I'm about to do the thermostat on our '06 Odyssey today, as well as both hoses, timing belt, water pump, coolant flush, and many suspension and chassis swap-outs. found those handy clip pliers at Harbor Freight yesterday, and I was over the moon because they didn't seem to have any pincer pliers in stock.
Charles Putt good luck fella
Watched this video and don't even have a Honda Element, just enjoy watching your videos no B.S. well done videos. Came here cause X wife has CRV and researching about her timing belt and water pump.
This video makes me appreciate my 1991 Civic Si. Metal thermostat housing: will last forever. Two bolts, and presto, the job's done. I never have to go through this dog-and-pony show that Eric just struggled through. My headlights are glass, too. 27 years since they came out of the factory, and they're not the least bit cloudy. I love this car! Modern Honda can suck my dipstick.
I take offense to the mom's basement comment. I got upgraded to the attic thank you very much. Big baller on the upper level homie.
Not sure if you guys cares but if you're bored like me atm you can watch all the latest series on Instaflixxer. Been watching with my gf for the last few weeks =)
@Theo Sergio yea, I've been using InstaFlixxer for since december myself :D
Another good Video Eric. I have always enjoyed watching your videos. Admittedly, I've not had as much time to recently, but still enjoy watching them when I get the chance. Keep up the good work, Sir.
I'm really enjoying the Fairmont Project series, but I originally found your channel because of your Honda expertise. So, it's nice to see more repair videos, especially Honda stuff. Thanks for doing what you do.
Happy to oblige. Thanks for the comment.
Eric is at his best working on a Honda.
This is like a Honda sitcom complete with laughter, pain, and an outcome that leads to another episode....
That funnel is one of the best tool purchases I have ever made.
Tim Johnson I used a vacuum method last time. It was fun.
I recently acquired a really nice southern, rust free 2002 CR-V. Really nice car. Only 160,000 miles on it. One owner. Very solid vehicle. I've been going thru it, changing basic stuff out, fluid, filters, etc. Have come to the conclusion that compared to my old 1997 Corolla, it is much harder to work on. Matter of fact, I was thinking about changing the thermostat out on it, since it seemed to read a bit cool according to the gauge. But after watching this video, not sure if I'm going to attempt it. Might just sell the thing and go out and find another trailer park Corolla. At least the Corolla is easy to work on. Great video, tho. Thank u.
This is facts. I have an 03 crv and EVERYTHING is much harder to work on than my civic. Painfully hard at sometimes
Eric... watch all the time. We have the identical car. That being said, I live in South Florida so I always know whatever job you do will be twice as hard as mine because I don't have all that rust.... thank god.
sphincter factor five! By far the funniest thing i've ever heard you say. Thank you!
Lol i was sphincter factor six when i nearly got hit head on by another car today
man i miss you posting regularly but thanks for the vid i feel like your apprentice
I still post every Friday. Are your notifications turned on?
EricTheCarGuy swear yeah man i have the little bell on and everything but i never see your vids show up anymore
I don't doubt you at all. YT has been doing things like this for a while now. Not much I can do really except say that I post every Friday on ETCG if nothing else. Sometimes I also post on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but always Fridays.
Just in time! I'm replacing thermostat in my car tomorrow. Thanks :)
Maciej Kobus me too
Awesome. Good luck.
those hose clamp tools work marvelously 😍 it prevents me from getting my fingers hurt from the clamp springing back and hitting your fingers when using pliers
7:47 Down the wrist around the elbow and to the arm pit, YOW !!. Great video Erick and Brian. Sure did learn a lot about the Element. TTFN... Angelo.
I'll have you know that I ate pasta while I watched this repair that you did wrong!
Kidding shade-tree here and always love little tips here and there while watching over the years.
Eric. Your videos are long but so very informative and also entertaining. Your a real blessing and full of knowledge. Thank you.
being inexperienced in car repair,.I dont have the tools or skill to do this "simple"(?!)
car repair, but at least I understand what my mechanic has to do.
Watched a few other videos and this one is by far the most thorough, thanks!
Why do you have cool aid in your car eric?
Eric, those radiator hoses usually utilize an inner O ring to seal. If you put a little silicone paste on them they will go on and off much better. Nice video!
I wish i lived near you totally love your tutorials so through and well explained not to mention humorous thanks
Good thinking on the anti-seize. I use it all the time on anything that causes the sphincter factor taking it apart. I own vehicles for way too long, and it's likely I'll have to go back where I've been years later when things are twice as rusty. Other than the fact that it's messy, it helps.
We don't have basements in Texas
Yeah, and my mom died years ago. ;)
Mac& cheese is OK.
"Eric, you're doing it wrong!" LOL I enjoyed this video, great job. And yeah, those plastic pieces would definitely make me a little nervous.
I gotta get one of those hose clamp tools , I had a hell of a time replacing the heater control valve on my Chevy Express the other day
Sears has 'em.
Linked in the description.
EricTheCarGuy Thanks Big E, nothing like having the right tool for the job
Eric doing stuff on a Honda... quoting top gear: "we are back!"
Vali1313 i dig it
I AM the STIG!!
"I didn't say I'd be successful. Just told you what I was trying." Literally me every time my wife asks me what I'm "fixing" this weekend.
Love the Vids you make the most simple things real entertaining keep up the great work...
I turn the heater fan on to confirm proper heat coming out of the vents at a consistent temperature and to ensure the heating system indeed works after working on the cooling system, but probably more relevant with a full flush (including the core).
Eric awesome video I just wish you do more videos on the Honda Element
Another great learning experience Erwic!
Hey eric! I got a recommendation, try making your own penetrating fluid, 50/50 mix of atf and acetone, heard its as good if not better than the penetrating fluid you buy at the store, learned that trick from a older mechanic
You're lucky!!!
I had to do a thermostat once on a Renault Vel Satis. The bumper, headlight, radiator and ac condenser had to come off. After that I had to use a 5 foot prybar to pry the thermostat off. When it came off flying through the shop I got a coolant shower (and drink).
I swore never to do a thermostat on a Vel Satis ever again.
I've been waiting a long Time for a repair video
I've been posting one a month since the beginning of the year. I plan to do more going forward as well. Thanks for the comment.
Oh yeah cool I must have missed some your vids are awesome btw
Thank you eric for the video, you saving my sister law money great video
Yow Thanks Bro!! im nervous about those fasteners BUT you’re walk-thru gave me some confidence. salute
I recently replaced the thermostat on an EP3 Si ('03) with a K20 that was very similar to this. No hyperbole--it was the most frustrating thing I've ever experienced in 15+ years of maintaining my own cars. The Si had almost 17 years of Ohio rust on all three thermostat mounting bolts, so the heads stripped even with those special "rusted bolt" sockets. I ended up just busting up the plastic thermostat housing into several pieces to gain more bolt surface area to grip. Even the catharsis of breaking the old thermostat I had been fighting with for hours was tempered by how damn hard it was to get to.
Luckily I had the foresight to order new bolts from Honda (that cost way too much), so it only ate up most of my day.
I fell your pain, replacing thermostat and gasket on 2000 Chrysler Concorde, what a challenge.
Remove fan shroud
Serpentine belt
Alternator
Dipstick
Hoses,what a job, and on my back in my lane way!.this is my second attempt, first time aftermarket gasket what a nightmare!. Big leaks, second time Orem part and gasket sealer, wish me luck!.
You were so right about those two bolts and clips. I ended up grinding the heads off. The clip rust melded to the threads :( Think I'm going to replace them with plastic bolts or something and hope that does the job.
That hose with the pull clamp is the same as the ones on BMWs .. interesting love you videos!
If im not mistaken, this is the same thermostat that my 2005 Civic Si EP3 uses. Also same layout. Bit of a pain to replace. Yes Hondas use blue coolant. Best thing is to use Honda coolant. Along with OEM thermostat and radiator cap.
Always learn great tips from Eric 😊
18:55 Eric is straight up savage. lol. I'm sure he gets tired of the keyboard mechanics though :)
Thank you for the vid, I had to replace my radiator so it was much easier to get to with out radiator and fans on the way thanks you
6:31 my fears came true! What do I do if the bolts keep spinning?
I tried going further up the assembly housing but there is one rubber hose that I could disconnect. The other line seems to be plastic and connected up further than I can reach/see. The bolts are not stripped at the head but once I start to loosen them they just spin and won't separate the thermostat housing. I thought about cutting through the bolts and drilling the rest out but I am hoping there is an easier way!! Someone help please!
This is my top 4 car repair channel's.
#1. Eric the Car Guy
#2. South main Auto
#3. MotoYam82
#4.Scanner Danner
I enjoy your videos. Even if I don't have the vehicle your working on. Although I do have a 04 Honda CRV and my father has an 06 Honda Element my sister has an 07 CRV and my niece has a 06 CRV. But I fully agree with you with putting anti seize on fasteners makes it so much easier if it ever has to come off again. Thanks for the videos.
Thanks for the helpful video! I love to do something in the car with my own hands. Hello from Russia!
Every video I see of you working on a Honda makes me like my Suburban that much more.
This must have been recorded some time ago, the fairmont still has it's old front wheels on it.
Good eye.
Eric I have a new 'safe for work' curse word when things go wrong, 'BUMHATS!'
Man.. I spent an hour trying to find the slip joint bent pliers Eric was using. It looks like Matco PSJN11B but color is red. Mac makes similar P11HD-B. However, you can get PRO AMERICA 11" XL HEAVY DUTY #5051 for about $33 shipped, those look the same except color of the handles
"ETCG: Be safe, have fun and turn your sphincter factor up to Five!" haha
I have Craftsman's version, and have used (if I remember correctly) Snap-on's version of your Astro Pneumatic hose clamp tool. I love them, let's me use both hands to remove a hose. Snap-on's is better of the two, it has a ratchet to let you choose how far you open the clamp. Craftsman's only has one position
This was very helpful, but how do I differ if my thermostat is bad or it's the coolant temp sensor? I get low temp reading on the highway in my Renault.
Sammy, Ahmose be glad it's not reading hot.
Sammy, Ahmose I would think that if your thermostat was bad, it would fail closed, so that even at operating temp it would not open, causing overheating. however even if it somehow failed open it might cause long warm up times but not a low temp reading.
So I would suspect your temp sensor first.
If the engine reaches normal operating temp while standing still and then cools down when you start driving you definitely have a faulty thermostat.
Sammy, Ahmose they are designed to fail open as to not over heat the engine. That still can fail shut (I personally know this...) but most don't.
You can tell if it is the temp sensor vs thermostat by leaving the car to sit for a long time then compare the temp sensor reading with the ambient temperature using a scan tool. It's best done in a garage or somewhere that isn't windy.
So it may have been a good idea to mark the hose and the plastic connector before you removed it so you didnt have to wonder and fight the orientation for re-installment.
I have learned many many things from Eric, Thank you so much..........but what do you do if those bolts don't want to come out? I'm thinking of changing my thermo before winter hits
If you have an aircompressor the air evac method is the best way to fill and not get air bubbles, also to check for leaks (if you loose vacuum)
I usually put good silicone paste to that hose joint O ring there. That because they are always "rusted" together and in most cases pain in butt to disconnect each other.
This is why I like my old 98 Honda Civic. The Thermostat is not only super easy to get to but the housing for the thermostat is metal.... Stop trying to be Chrysler, Honda.
Yes, my "experience varied" on the driver side speed-clip (why's it always the driver side?) .....great vid.
I'm doing this on a 2 Gen CR-V , or thought I was . Got it on the rack , drained coolant and removed lower rad hose . I could clearly see the bottom bolt and one of top ones and could feel the other top bolt on the thermostat housing . Got my trusty 1/4 ratchet and a 10mm socket on the bolts and I'll be damned if all 3 bolts just spin . Apparently there's threaded brass inserts in the water outlet that are splined and pressed in so the bolts have something to bite in to when you bolt the thermostat on . I'm guessing they were overtorqued at some point or maybe 286K miles have just taken their toll . I just ordered a new housing and o ring for the water pipe . I like the K series ok but B , D , F , and H series seem so much easier to repair and way less plastic bits .
refreshing video, Eric
Another great classic style Eric The Car Guy video. Love these....
Hey Eric, have you ever used a UView Airlift coolant refiller? They are great for bleeding the air pockets in the engine cooling system and for looking for leaks before adding coolant.
$38.00 for that thermostat assembly is not as bad as I thought it was going to be - I thought from it was going to be a lot higher $75.00+- than that - that hose clamp tool is real nice - made the job a lot easier
I love that tool.
EricTheCarGuy: What kind of penetrating oil do you us?
Great video!!! Thanks a lot Eric!!!!
Since k24 are timing chain, is that means you don't need to replace the water pump or when is the time you have to change the water pump?
Great video Eric, i dont like the plastic thermostat housing.
I like the spring clamp hose clamps much better than the stainless steel screw type. The automatic taking up of the grip is very nice not to have to retighten clamps over time.
Erick Hey, I'm with you on FB from the very beginning, I watch every episode. Today I found that I spent a big chunk of your life watching movies. Actually, you're such on-screen buddy :). "Stey DIRTY": D
Thanks for the video, good job.
Hey Eric, I have an idea. At you next meetup, you should have your other mustang motor laid out and have your guests build it. So your subscribers have a hand in it.
There is no other Mustang motor. It was junk remember?
EricTheCarGuy well, there could be.. ;)
A plastic thermostat housing, great idea there honda.
90s bmw's too. I'm still crossing my fingers for mine not to crack
FrewSlinger ya, I hade to replace the intake on my grand marquis because the housing is plastic and part of the intake.
Thinking exactly the same... next step : plastic pistons ?
apparently, it's lasted 13 years on this element. My 10-year-old accord and Crv, never a problem either.
My 2002 focus has one as well.. . original of course cracked and leaked. rubbish plastic
Eriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiic yourrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr doin' it wroooooooooong ! :o)
Geez, plastic thermostat housing. Just another excuse to call it an "assembly" and charge
big bucks. Like my Mitsubishi, no external fuel filter. Back in the old days before everything was a money making scam you could buy a high pressure fuel filter for 20 bucks.
Now you have to buy the whole fuel pump "assembly" for 380 bucks.
Eric who makes those sweet slip joint needle nose you used to take the hose clamp off? Mac?
Hey Eric cool video and great camera work...amazing!!! I have a 2002 Nissan Nv with 99,000 km on it here in Thailand. I just had the whole cooling system overhauled, all new hoses, radiator and it looked like they put some white sealant on the water pump? Do you think that maybe the guys just chucked the thermostat because it's such a hot climate here? Didn't see any charge for one on the bill. And do you have any idea if an NV has a timing chain or belt? I've always heard chain cause it's like a truck (actually more like a little El Camino!) Cool little car actually...ever heard of it? Thanks for your videos...really like them...stay warm and DIRTY!!!! ))))
Great videos Eric keep them coming.!
Do you think I should replace my t stat? It’s original 2010 175k Camry LE. Coolant was changed once at around 100k miles. But nothing else was changed in the cooling system.
Great video Eric!!!! Not nearly as bad as replacing the starter witch I did over the weekend. Honda could have did a better design on some of the components but they are good cars. Thanks!!!!
I love you put links for tools and materials you use can you put a link for a nice cheap car hoist!?
Eric, quick question for you. I did a flush/fill on my 2021 Acura ILX. Used the same funnel as you, and also has no bleeder valve on my car. After I refilled, I only get heat on the High setting? If I try to go to 85, 84, 80, ect… I get like room temperature heat. Any clue why? I burped every bubble out of this thing for 2 days now. To no avail. Any ideas, would be great? Thanks
Hi Eric i have a 2008 honda element sc how much rad fluid do I need to do a flush i am going to replace both hoses and the thermostat
Can the drain free funnel be used on vehicles with just a coolant tank and no radiator cap? Or is it not needed? And do you do the same process for bleeding on ones with tanks as you did here or does the tank actually help with bleeding?
If the system uses an expansion tank, I use the expansion tank like I use this funnel if that makes sense.
Really nice work Eric, learned a lot, thanks!
Eric! What apend if leak on base of termostate??? what we do? i got this problem now!
This guy is the freaking man.
I use the Mityvac MV7241 Fluid Transfer Pump. Makes for a easy messy-less fill.
Hi Eric, you have been quite for a while now. I hope all is well with you.
Hey Eric I have an 2008 Element EX model is this the same procedure to change out my Thermostat?
Do you have to use hondabond on the o rings for the T stat / housing and even the water pump? Or leave it dry? For assembly.
Never do that. Let the gasket do the work.
EricTheCarGuy Thank you! Your an awesome person I’ve learned a lot from you. My 2005 accord 2.4 needs the housing and Thermostat replaced and I’m going to replace the water pump while I’m doing this as a precaution, ALL are OEM, HONDA parts. I noticed they all have O-rings for gaskets haven’t had much experience with these just wanted to make sure no sealer. For these.
Thank you again ETCG.