How much for a new thermostat on my 2003 TBird?

[HKS]

I changed mine and did not replace the housing, I did work and cost some where around $15.00 for thermostat at auto zone

Correct, according the service manual. Maybe the new O ring only comes with the housing.
HKS

[HKS]

Correct, according the service manual. Maybe the new O ring only comes with the housing.
HKS

Has anyone replaced the thermostat due to age, just to be safe and not worry about a sticking thermostat?
HKS

[HKS]

Has anyone replaced the thermostat due to age, just to be safe and not worry about a sticking thermostats causing exploding plastic pipes/hoses?

HKS

[Jimr]

If it ain't broke don't fix it!

[steelblue5505]

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it"
But so many suffer from the disease I believe it is called Tinkerist.

[11TH GEN]

If it ain't broke don't fix it!

I remember my dad telling me ( pre battery days ) Only two people should ever take the back off a watch. Fools and jewelers.

[HKS]

If it ain't broke don't fix it!

Except for a past episode of Tbird not being driven for a few weeks. After driving a mile and overheating alarm/symptoms.
Pegged temp Gage and limp mode.

Got home and degas bottle was almost empty. Filled up degas bottle several times and all has been OK for 5 months now.
Not sure if Ford Quick lane properly bled/burped the system after installing new antifreeze.

HKS

[007Cruiser]

Except for a past episode of Tbird not being driven for a few weeks. After driving a mile and overheating alarm/symptoms.
Pegged temp Gage and limp mode.

Got home and degas bottle was almost empty. Filled up degas bottle several times and all has been OK for 5 months now.
Not sure if Ford Quick lane properly bled/burped the system after installing new antifreeze.

HKS

I think you just proved his point.

[HKS]

I think you just proved his point.

When things sit a while like garage queens, things have time to get stuck. Like a 16 year old stuck thermostat.

[007Cruiser]

When things sit a while like garage queens, things have time to get stuck. Like a 16 year old stuck thermostat.

That also happens to this 68 year old man.

[AZTB]

That also happens to this 68 year old man.

...amen (to this one as well!)

[EllisonCal]

If you want to check on what your dependable technician has said he intends to replace, ask him for the parts he removes. When he asks why, if he asks why. Tell him you want to photograph the parts that failed for the TBN web site. At least you'll know if he bought what you're paying for. Just the cynical me talking.

[007Cruiser]

Or more likely he will show you some parts out of his junk pile. Just my cynical thinking.

[11TH GEN]

Or more likely he will show you some parts out of his junk pile. Just my cynical thinking.

I like it.......

[HKS]

Correct, according the service manual. Maybe the new O ring only comes with the housing.
HKS

New info
AUTOZONE sells the thermostat, O-Ring ($4.95), and new radiator fill cap ($11.99) separately.
I wonder if the replacement radiator cap has a pressure relief setting? The plastic cap 16psi but that is probably the where it explodes.
HKS
Assembly with thermostat and housing.
https://www.autozone.com/cooling-hea...31243_857732_0