Replace A Thermostat On A Honda Integra B-Series Engine
Now for a motor to perform optimally, it needs proper cooling. An engine will usually have a water pump, thermostat, radiator, radiator cap, fan switch, cooling fan, coolant and several different size rubber hoses that circulate coolant throughout the whole cooling system.
If there is not proper cooling, the engine block will heat up very quickly which will cause severe damages to the cylinder short-block & cylinder head. When a temperature needle raises past the middle mark and towards the hot mark, it is usually an early warning sign to pull over, check the system for leaking or burning of coolant because any further damage will cause severe failure of engine performance. The head-gasket blowing is one of the worst sign of failure because the motor will constantly be overheating. When a head-gasket is blown, it causes a leak where there is a mixture of oil and coolant inside the engine block. If it is indeed blown, you can check by removing the oil cap and checking for a milky-like texture & color.
So to avoid all the mishaps & disasters, I HIGHLY advise to have a properly maintained cooling system for your engine. If you have an older car, then I recommend replacing the thermostat first because it is controls the regulation of coolant going in and out of the engine block.
Other smaller and easier replaceable items would be the radiator cap, coolant & main radiator hoses. For this How-To/DIY article, I will be showing you how to replace the thermostat and the steps to bleeding/removing air bubbles in the engine.
WARNING: System is under high pressure when the
engine is hot. To avoid danger of releasing scalding
engine coolant, remove the cap only when engine is cool.
If any engine coolant spills on the car’s paint, rinse it off immediately. Check all hoses for damages, leaks or deterioration and replace if necessary. Check all hose clamps & re-tighten if necessary.
Cooling System Capacity (including the heater core & reservoir):
B18B1 w/ Manual Transmission – 6.4 liters / 6.8 US quarts
B18B1 w/ Automatic Transmission – 6.7 liters / 7.1 US quarts
B18C1/B18C5 w/ Manual Transmission – 6.7 liters / 7.1 US quarts