OEM 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Thermostat Housing

2008 Chevrolet Malibu Thermostat Housing Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to replace the engine coolant thermostat housing (LE5) (2.4L) on 2008 Chevrolet Malibu?

  A: To replace le5 (2.4L) engine coolant Thermostat housing, first the cooling system of the engine must be drained using the drain given to the bottom of the Water Pump for draining the engine block coolant. Drain coolant by removing the Water Pump Drain Plug then lower the vehicle down. Pull out the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor electrical connector and the heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) electrical connector clip from the bracket. Reference the ect sensor and the surge tank outlet hose as well as repositioning the radiator outlet hose clamp to disconnect the radiator outlet hose. Next, you need to dismantle remove the bolt which is attached to the Exhaust Heat Shield along with the heat shield itself. Remove the heater inlet hose and outlet hose from the pipes at the Thermostat housing by repositioning the heater inlet and outlet hose clamps. Unbolting the Thermostat housing bolts and twisting the water transfer pipe while pulling it off the Water Pump allow removing the Thermostat housing. If needed, pry off the water transfer pipe from the Thermostat housing and discard the o-ring seals. If it is necessary, attempt to remove the Thermostat and its cover bolts if they are there. Remove any debris and thread sealant from the ect sensor and bolt places if the casing is to be reused. For installation, install a new Thermostat housing cover o-ring seal into the recess groove install a Thermostat if necessary and torque the cover bolts to a 10 n.m (89 lb in). Attach a new Thermostat housing to engine o-ring seal to the Thermostat housing, lubricate the water feed pipe seals with slight coolant and install new o-ring seals onto the water feed pipe. Put the water feed pipe into the Thermostat housing, so the locator tab aligns, and seat the o-ring seal through pushing it into the Water Pump. Hold the Thermostat housing to the engine and secure the housing bolts with 10 n.m (89 lb in). Connect the heater inlet and outlet hoses to the Thermostat housing pipes and secure the clamps in place. Install back the Exhaust Heat Shield and fasten it with bolts to the torque of 23 n.m (17 lb ft). Mount the radiator outlet hose to the Thermostat housing and surge tank, arranging the clamps as well. Apply sealant to threads of the ect sensor and install it pressing 20 n.m (15 lb ft) and connect ect sensor's electrical connector and ho2s electrical connector clip. Use sealant gm p/n 12378521 (Canadian P/N: 88901148) or equivalent sealant and apply to the Water Pump Drain Plug, install it, and tighten it to 20 n.m (15 lb ft). Make sure that the vehicle is level and close down the drain valves at the radiator and Water Pump, fill up the car's cooling system, and check for leaks.