Replace thermostat 200 cavalier

The thermostat is usually located in the upper radiator hose. Make sure that you have a cold engine before attempting to replace the thermostat otherwise you could injure yourself with hot fluid. The small housing that holds the thermostat is held on with two bolts. Remove the two bolts and separate from the engine. When you buy the new thermostat at the auto parts store, follow the temperature recommendation of the manufacturer. I found out the hard way that if you change the temperature, you may get adequate performance, but you may suffer worse mileage. This is because of the fact that the faster that an engine warms to operating temperature, the more efficiently that the engine will run. Be sure to use a torque wrench to tighten the two bolts when you re-install the thermostat. Ask the person at the parts counter for the recommended foot pound that one is to tighten the bolts to. Be sure to use a new gasket with permatex on the housing that holds the thermostat.