I just replaced the thermostat and housing (expensive part, BTW) on my 2002 Mazda B2300 (2.3L), as the temperature gauge started barely reaching "C" in the summer. When I removed the old part, I could see that the thermostat spring and other metal parts had broken away from the housing pieces (plastic!) that normally hold them in place (so the thermostat could no longer close). So this is just a heads-up that anyone replacing this part should examine the removed part and attempt to retrieve any missing parts (if possible) via the thermostat opening before installing the new part.

Also, I found the best price by far for this part on Amazon.com...

 

How hard of an install was this?

I plan on doing it for my 2001 ford ranger xlt 2.3L... Did oyu also replace the water pump as well?

My temp has been a steady middle on the gauge but when examing the temp of the coolant it's reading 260 degrees which seems really high to me...? I also have extremely hot air for the blower so I'm wondering if it's really necessary to replace. I'm thinking of doing it because I have to replace my altenator anyways this weekend and while I'm there figured take care of this and the water pump...

Thanks,
-Nigel

 

This was a pretty easy install - once you remove the air intake and other plastic parts that obscure the engine below, the thermostat is fairly accessible. I didn't replace the water pump, but I did replace the radiator hoses, which were original. If you do replace the thermostat, note the torque requirements when installing the new part - it's a plastic housing, so the torque spec is pretty low.

By the way, I've attached photos of the old (broken) thermostat vs. what a new one looks like - note the missing hardware on the broken one...

 

Excellent, thank you!

I replaced mine but mine wasn't actually broken like yours! Wow!!!

I think the sensor inside was all bunk but internally it was all intact.

I actually had more room once I removed the driver side wheel and little fender liner flap. Then it's a straight shot to the 3 bolts!

Overall not bad at all like you said. I did a ton via clutch fan, water pump, new hoses..etc.

All came out well, now I'm just waiting on my new cylinder head temp sensor and I think I will be able to get an accurate reading on the coolant temp.

Thanks,
-Nigel