I live in an apartment building and cant do much in depth engine work. Is it possible and easy to replace the thermostat on the 22re without making a big puddle of coolant in the parking garage? could it be done by just draining the top portion of the radiator? or will most of the cooling system need to be drained?

 

all of it will drain when you pop that t-stat off. but, you want to put new coolant in there anyways as when it gets old it really corrodes the block.

lay an old sheet down and get a bucket..youll be fine.

make sure the engine is cold.

 

All you need to do is drain the radiator about half way, just put a bucket under the drain plug to catch the coolant and that way you won`t make a mess, then remove the thermostat housing, if your coolant is good then just pour it back in the radiator when your done.

 

Usually only need to drain out a half gallon or so, use a bucket under the petcock on the bottom of the radiator to catch and re-use what you drain out:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...tatReplacement

 

ok, thanks. Guess ill look into getting a thermostat tomorrow. The coolant should still be good, as it's only about 3 or 4 months old.