[DML] Replacing thermostat and coolant.

["sweetp01569" <paul.sweet@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

My car overheated on Saturday, dumping a lot of coolant in my 
driveway through the overflow.  I ordered a new thermostat, and have 
two new left and right main hoses to replace the existing spongy 
ones.  I am also waiting for the stainless overflow bottle to 
arrive.  I want all the parts together before I take apart.  I think 
I also need to order the gasket/s for the air intake manifold, as 
that needs to come off to replace the thermostat.  Not sure if the 
thermostat is bad, but since I am taking it out to check, I might as 
well replace.  The waterpump seems fine, and is dry and quiet.

My overheating issue has been intermittent, as I have written on 
this post before - I was just waiting for the stainless bottle 
before checking some items.  I can go on one trip and no problems, 
then on another the temp gauge wouild creep up, then drop again, and 
be fine.  This Saturday, the gauge climbed to 240 deg., then dropped 
again to normal, then creeped up again as I got the car home.  After 
parking it, it dumped hot coolant.  Perhaps it's not the thermostst, 
btu since I was replacing hoses, I thought I'd rule the thermostat 
out too.

Is this job involved, or relatively easy?  Any other parts I need or 
surprises to be aware of when I replace these parts?

The radiator was replaced by previous owner a few months ago, and is 
new 3-core type.

Also, it's been years since I've worked on a coolant system. After 
replacing hoses, thermostat and bottle, how do I refill with 
coolant?  My car has the bleeder kit installed.  Do I just keep 
filling coolant into the over flow bottle and run the engine to 
cycle through until the level stabilizes in the bottle?  Also, what 
coolant is best, and do I need to mix with distilled water?

If it isn't the thermostat, I guess my next check is the otterstat?

Thanks for any help,

Paul






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