Dont' have a repair manual...the housing for the thermostat is not on the top of the engine. Want to do this myself on the cheap -- I am the best mechanic l could give my money to... in my own humble opinion. :0)Please help me find the housing and SOMEONE IF YOU HAVE A DOWNLOAD OF THE 98 LINCOLN REPAIR MANUAL....please send it to me....thanks.....xxx

engine block at return radiator hose

Thermostat
Removal & Installation

WARNING: Never remove the pressure relief cap under any conditions while the engine is operating. Failure to follow these instructions could result in damage to the cooling system or engine and/or personal injury. To avoid having scalding hot coolant or steam blow out of the cooling system or reservoir, use extreme care when removing the pressure relief cap from a hot cooling system or reservoir. Wait until the engine has cooled, then wrap a thick cloth around the pressure relief cap & turn it slowly until pressure begins to release. Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When certain all pressure has been released, remove the pressure cap (still with a cloth).

Raise the vehicle on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Section 100-02.
Remove the lower radiator air deflector (8311).

Partially drain the engine cooling system. For additional information, refer toCooling System Draining, Filling & Bleeding in this section.
Slide the hose clamp out of the way & disconnect the lower radiator hose (8286) from the water inlet connection.

Disconnect the hose from the water inlet connection.

Remove the two bolts.

Remove the inlet connection.

Remove the O-ring seal & the water thermostat.
Inspect the O-ring seal for damage & install a new O-ring seal if necessary.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.


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Could not get the pictures to send, hopefully this will help, the thermastat on the continental is in the housing where the lower radiator hose hooks to the engine.