Attempting to change the thermostat in my 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport - serpentine belt in the way. I am not a mechanic so I would appreciate all the help I can get...

 

See post #82 in "Jeep Cherokee Running Hot" thread.

 

The bolts are 1/2". 13mm will also work. Use a short socket on the top bolt and a deep well on the bottom. Their shouldn't be a reason to remove the belt. Most important to a) make sure you scape the gasket surfaces clean with a razor blade b) make sure the thermostat is in the head properly and doesn't drop down, otherwise you'll warp the thermostat housing when you tighten the bolts.

 

I really hate to tell you this but for me I had to loosen the belt. I was able to take it out but when I went to re installing it I couldn't get the lower bolt in there perfectly straight and I didn't want to risk cross threading it. You can try prying the belt to get a socket over it and do the same for putting back in but I don't recommend it. Also removing the electric cooling fan will make your life so much easier, its 2 small screws, like 8mm at the top and it slides up and out. I did it with the fan in and I have a lot of wrenching experience, I would have spent less time just removing the fan.

 

Glad a couple of ppl chimed in with some help for this OP so he didn't have to slog through 81 posts of a few ppl arguing about thermodynamics.

 

Just curious...if you are changing the thermostat as a preventative measure, wouldn't it be a good idea to change the belt as well? I think that the rubber in the belt has more of a wear issue than the t-stat.

For my time, effort, and money, cooling system maintenance, especially on the 0331 heads, is super important. But I'd just suggest you look at the whole system...t-stat, water pump, and belt...maybe the tensioner pulley, too.

And, another random thought...rhere's a couple of threads on this forum about T-stat brands. MotoRad (I think) is Mopar and is very popular. Stant, not so much.

 

Thermodynamics.......dayum!, that's 1 of those $5 rocket science words.... can't possibly apply to the XJ.....it ain't no rocket.

I've always had good performance from $5 "Made in the USA" Stant stats......especially their SuperStat series of stats. Nothing against $20+ foreign made Mopar stats (I've never used one, don't know how they perform), but for my $20, I'd rather have a top quality stat AND a 12 pack of Bud Light.

 

Thank you all so much for the info - I will get it done! BYW not a guy.

 

I removed my belt when replacing the thermostat. It just made life easier. Also, be careful when installing the thermostat housing, I also have a 2000 and when I installed mine I had removed all the hoses to flush the coolant. Turns out the factory squeeze clamp has to be in a certain position. Otherwise it interferes with the thermostat housing and will cause the housing to crack when you tighten up the bolts.

Ironically, when I replaced the thermostat housing, I noticed that the replacement housing had the hose connection in a slightly different position which eliminated the interference. So apparently this was enough of an issue for them to change the casting slightly.

Kudos for you being female and willing to dive into your Jeep. My daughter has always been willing to join me when turning wrenches and I think it's great for her to have the knowledge to use someday.

 

 

YouTube is your friend. Should be plenty of videos that walk you right through it.