How to Fix the Thermostat on a 1997 Mercury Sable
- 1). Open the hood of the Sable. Remove the cap from the radiator. Position a drain pan under the radiator drain plug on the passenger side of the car.
- 2). Remove the drain plug from the bottom of the radiator, using a wrench. Wait for the coolant level to drain until it is just below the upper radiator hose. Replace the radiator drain plug and tighten it completely.
- 3). Trace the upper radiator hose to the thermostat housing on the engine. Remove the three bolts securing the housing to the mounting surface with a wrench. Remove the gasket and thermostat body from the housing. Be sure every bit of the gasket is removed.
- 4). Insert the new thermostat in the housing. Install a new gasket on the thermostat housing. Secure the thermostat housing to the mounting surface, and torque the mounting bolts to 9 pound-feet with your torque wrench.
- 5). Add a 50/50 blend of antifreeze and distilled water to your Sable's radiator until it is full. Replace the radiator cap. Start the engine and let it warm up to verify that there are no coolant leaks.
