The thermostat in the 1998 Ford Temp consists of a spring that connects to the bottom side of the thermostat housing and a jiggle valve that connects to the top of the housing. Over time, the coolant in your Tempo becomes thick with contaminates and, eventually, the thermostat fails to regulate engine temperatures properly. You can attempt to repair a broken thermostat to avoid the cost of replacing it.
Tools Used: Socket set, Toothbrush, Pot, Water, Thermometer
Repair the Radiator Thermostat
Remove the thermostat from the intake manifold. Trace the upper radiator hose to the location where the hose connects to the engine. The hose secures to the water intake housing. Remove the bolts that secure the housing to the engine with a socket, pull the housing off the motor, and pull the old thermostat out of the engine.
Inspect the mercury-filled sensor, located inside the spring, for any cracks or leaking. Mercury is silver. If you see any cracks or leaking, do not touch the mercury, and discard the thermostat. You cannot repair it safely. Mercury is highly toxic to humans, so do not touch it.
Clean the thermostat with a soft bristle toothbrush to remove any corrosion from the surface of the thermostat housing, spring and jiggle valve.
Place the thermostat in a pot of water. Heat the water to 190 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a food thermometer to measure the temperature. Once the thermostat reaches the specified temperature, the valve should open, and the housing should lift. This indicates the clean water cleaned out the jiggle valve, and the thermostat is working. If it doesn't open, you cannot repair the thermostat.
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