I realize thermostat replacement on my 1989 1.5 DX is probably a simple project, but I always feel better going into a job with some experienced directions and tips from this message board.

Can anyone help me?

Thank you.

 

OldGeezer;

(I'm also 50 and these funny ferrin cars are just plain "different" from the 350 in my 64 Chevelle!!)

I recently replaced the thermostat on my 89 SI and it's real straight forward but there were a couple things that surprised me.

The thermostat is on the back side of the engine and isn't all that hard to get at.

Buy a new gasket for it (from Honda). It's a molded rubber piece. I could have re-used the old one but it just doesn't seem like a good idea.

When you take it apart, note that there is an "upward" orientation to the thermostat! Also note that the thermostat fits in the gasket only one way to be done correctly!

The molded gasket will only fit in the body of the housing one way, however it would be possible to force it in wrong.

Take your time, think about the orientation, and it's easy.

Wes V

 

In addition...

Get a new gasket becuase I did one on sunday and had to go get a new gasket 1/2 way through becasue the old on was deteriorating every time I touched it.

I'd recommend a Honda thermostat. I got an autozone one (this was for a friends beater car) and it was very sub-standard in quality.

The Honda thermostat gasket has little bumps in it that have to fit in to the reliefs in the yolk (or whatever is it called)... The spring should go in to the motor, and the little bumps in the gasket go on the same side as the spring. The bypass or whatever it is also goes straight up I think.

Good luck.

Also, I was doing it on a LX motor, but the wiring harness attached above the stat should be unhooked to make the job simpler. On the LX there was a ground there through, so hook that back up!!

The above will make sense once you see it.