5ktq thermostat questions

[Nate Brown <ntb@hopper.unh.edu>]

Just the other day I started up the car after sitting for two days in the
single digit temps here in NH and after ten minutes of driving I noticed
the temp gauge, which never goes much above cold, climbing rapidly into
the hot zone.  The temp warning light started flashing and I pulled over
and immediately shut her down.  The after-run fan stayed on for a while
draining the battery significantly.  I was only a mile from home so I let
her cool down than began to drive back home again.  Just as I was about to
pull in the driveway, I heard a significant gush of air and steam began to
pour out from under the hood.  Upon opening the hood I found my engine
covered in coolant and the upper radiator hose disconnected.  I guess with
the pressure it blew off and took half of where the hose mounts, right
off.  I found the parts I need in one of the technical bulletins but I was
wondering if someone has done this fix before and if there are any things
I should look out for.  I also have to replace the thermostat.

TIA,
Nate Brown

86 5kstq  123K