My 96' H23 overheated for the first time ever today. Im hoping its as simple as changing the thermostat. I bought a replacement and plan on installing it in the morning. I am a novice mechanic but I have never changed the therm on an H23, does anyone know how long this fix should take and also any serious access issues, I only have basic tools. Thanks!!!

 

Be prepared for a lot of coolant to spill out when you take the housing off. Other than that this job is very straightforward.

When you're done make sure you top the coolant off and then start it up, use the bleeder screw and be sure you get rid of all the air in there. Then drive it a bit, let it cool off, then top the coolant off again, do the same thing the next morning.

 

You may have to use the bleeder screw to bleed it a few times. If you leave the radiator cap off and let it warm up that will get a lot of the air out. Also might want to drain all your coolant out while you're working on it. Have you ever replaced the timing belt and water pump?

 

This is pretty easy. just have to follow the radiator hose and then remove it. then you have to take off the hose nipple or w/e its called. it just 3 10mm or 12mm bolts. When my car overheated i had to just replace the radiator cas it was leaking.