Well, thanks to TronX and a few others who posted in the
"Where is the Temp Sender" thread, I was able to install my 180 thermostat and my Temp SW/Sender for my 98 Contour GL/2.0L Zetec.
If you're going to change the Temperature SW/Sender, you might as well change out the thermostat too if you haven't already done so.
I changed/replaced both since my Temp Gauge read at
L on NORMAL all the time when it warmed up. It now stays around
M with the new parts.
This install/thread isn't an exact "How to" but should give enough info for someone to replace their thermostat and Temperature SW/Sender.
I paid $24 with shipping for the 180 Thermostat from
www.zxtuner.com I received it in 3 days from placing the order.
The Temp SW/Sender was $16 + tax.
Required Tools:
1.
Rachet and 8mm socket(maybe different size for other years/models).
Pic shows optional extention, which makes the job a little easier.
2.
Thread Sealant. About $5 at your local auto parts store.
3.
6QT pan - used to catch the water/antifreeze under the car when removing hoses, temp sw and thermostat.
4.
Some antifreeze - I used the 50/50 stuff. Use what you feel you need.
5.
O2 Sensor socket - it's a 7/8 Deep socket and fits perfectly for the Temp SW/Sender(the one for my year/engine anyway...)
6.
A pair of vise grips or some pliers
7.
Duct tape or bungy cords
8.
Some rags.
*Towel optional.
9.
Can of air - Optional but comes in handing to dry off the harnest connecter and Temp SW/Sender when your all done.
Removal/Install
Time to complete: About an hour
1.
Place the 6QT pan under the car, right under the thermostat housing to catch the water/antifreeze.
If you have an old towel to spare, I recommended putting it under/around the pan to absorb any water that may splash around the pan.
2.
Remove the water hose from the front of the thermostat housing.
Use the vise grips or a pair of pliers to get this task done.
Clamp on the retainer ring then pull the ring back/off the thermostat housing about 1.5 to 2 inches.
3.
After you get the retainer ring pulled back so you can remove the hose.
Just wiggle and pull back on the hose.
Be careful and quick.
Once the hose is removed, you'll spill about 1-2 cups.
Once the hose is disconnected, point the hose UP so minimal water/antifreeze is spilled.
4.
Once the hose has been removed, using the duct tape or bungy cord, secure the hose and out of the way as shown.
Radiator hose that goes to thermostat housing:
5.
Remove the 3 bolts that mount the thermostat housing.
2 on top and 1 directly under the hose mount.
I used an 8mm socket and racket with an extention.
Once the 3 bolts are removed, pull the housing face out.
You will spill about 1-2 cups of water. It maybe more.
Thermostat housing face with hose and bolts removed.
6.
Now, look at the placement of the old thermostat.
Make sure to install/place the new in in the same exact way.
Remove the old thermostat.
About 1-3 cups of water will spill out.
It will seem like it won't stop but it will.
7.
Remove the gasket from the old thermostat.
**If it's old and cracks, you may want to get a new one.
8.
Install the gasket on the new thermostat.
Install the thermostat.
Don't install the housing face yet.
9.
Now, get the new Temp SW/Sender and put thread sealent on 3/4 of the threads.
Place it near you in the engine bay.
You will need quick access to it when you remove the old Temp SW/Sender because water will spill continously.
10.
Using the O2 sensor socket, unscrew the old Temp SW/Sender.
Once it gets loose, use your hand to unscrew it.
**I suggest using your left hand to unscrew it and place the new Temp SW/Sender in the right hand ready to install it as soon as you remove the old one.
Once the old Temp SW/Sender is ready to come out, quickly remove it and install the new one.
Hand tighten the new Temp SW/Sender.
11.
Using the O2 Sensor socket/rachet, tighten the new Temp Sw/Sender. Don't over tighten but most of the threads on it should be not be visible as shown.
Temp SW/Sender on car
NOTE
I have a 98 Contour GL with the 2.0L Zetec.
My Temperature SW/Sender was the first one shown in the picture below. It has a clip retainer on it.
The part I got at the Auto Parts store(CSK / Shucks Auto) was: NIEHOFF - PN# TS83051
*My local Autozone doesn't stock it and has to special order it...
Various Temp SW/Sender for the Contour
12.
Now using the can of air, dry off the end of the Temp SW/Sender. You can use a rag first to get most of the water off first if needed.
Make sure it's completely dry if possible.
13.
Install the thermostat housing face using the 3 bolts.
Do not over tighten. The housing is plastic and can easily be stripped ot busted.
14.
Install/place the ring retainer in the same exact location/position as it was when you removed it.
There's usually some markings/indentations on the hose from the ring.
15.
Using a rag or can of air, dry off the Temp SW/Sender harnest if it got wet.
Install/connect the harnest to the Temp SW/Sender
You're done...
? And lastly, I've had a 180 thermo for some time and it's very effective but why would I need to change the sender, and how would I know if it's bad? 
