can someone tell me how to check the thermostat for 1997 Civic Ex? If it is bad, how much does it cost for the parts?

thanks!

 

a new thermostat is about $18 from the dealer comes with new gasket.

You have to drain most of your coolant, then take off the thermostat cover, its like right behind your starter (follow the lower radiator hose to it). A long 3/8 extension bar helped me here, i didn't take off the hose i just unbolted the two bolts and the grounding wires there and kinda swung the hose out of the way.

You can test the old one by placing it in about 190degree water and seeing if it opens but dont put it back in if you already have it all apart. Just put in a new one because you'd have to use a new gasket anyway to put an old one back in; may as well jsut put in a new part.