How hard is it to change the thermostat out of its housing???? (3.1)

[justjones]

I found a nice write up on how to access the housing just not sure if there are any little tricks for getting it out that you guys might know

i.e do I have to remove the exhaust crossover pipe.

 

[Deathdice]

It's not hard, quite fast to.

GEt the haynes book

 

[justjones]

yeah i got the haynes but it didnt help because the pics sucked, but i got it done. The crossover pipe and heat shield were a beast

 

[Deathdice]

Yeah, we had to change the head gaskets, and that was a *****.So we just replaced every gasket in the car. 4 day process, 1 day taking apart, a full day of cleaning.and a day and a hafe of putting it back apart.I learned alot

 

[TorqueAutoMotiv]

Get on gpona.com sign up and they have the si200 gm service program
As far as the tstat housing goes its easy as pie just need a catch pan for coolant and a socket and wrench and 10 minutes time

 

[Deathdice]

Is it hard to change the radiator in a 96?se?

 

[mikesarebetter]

catch pan.. haha

 

[justjones]

Yeah, I manage to get it done i was just the pesky exhaust crossover pipe who's bolts were rusted in. Thanks for all your help

 

[mhartwig]

Yeah, I manage to get it done i was just the pesky exhaust crossover pipe who's bolts were rusted in. Thanks for all your help

I know this is an old thread, but I just did this. The thermostat housing is behind this exhaust pipe and there is no clearance. Not very car savvy, took me a couple hours. Crappiest part was getting the second bolt back in.