Seeing that upper radiator hose with the thermostat laying sideways in the intake manifold reminded me of a bad experience I had this past week.

My service truck at work is a 96 F**d with a 5.8L (351 Windsor). I noticed that the thermostat was not closing and I just about froze when the weather turned cold. I procured a new thermostat and gasket and proceeded to install them. Being lazy, I did not remove the upper radiator hose as it had one of those spring-type clamps that I didn't feel like messing with. BAD IDEA!!!!

In the process on installing the new thermostat, it slipped down out of the groove and when I tightened the housing bolts, I heard the sickening snap of aluminum cracking. Our local F**d dealer wanted $98.00 (yes $98.00) for a new housing. Luckily a buddy of mine who runs F**ds let me have for $5.00. The next time I was VERY careful when installing the thermostat.

Whoever thought the thermostat should lay on its side should have had his head examined. Maybe this was some bean counter's sick idea of how to make extra bucks.

Remember 9-11-01--God Bless the USA
JUSTICE, not REVENGE, will prevail

1951 Chevy 1/2-ton Pickup truck