Trying to get Thermo. Housing off.....
 

What the heck kind of tools have you guys used to take of ther thermostat housing to change your thermostat? I can't get any kind of sockets on the 2 bolts? Anyone have any insight? Thanx in advance guys


Matt

Thermostat
 

It's been a while since I've changed mine, but I seem to remember using a wrench and having to turn at least one of those bolts, just a little bit at a time. Either that or maybe a rachet & socket with a u-joint on it?

The passenger side bolt is a pain in the arse. I had to use a box end/open end wrench and use the open end to turn it a tad, then flip to the box end and finesse it another tad, then back to the open end. If you can afford to buy the new Craftsman Gear Wrenches you might see if they will fit in there. They look just like Chraftsman Professional wrench sets, but have a ratcheting head built in. They are nice because they ratchet in very small increments for these situations, and they aren't big and bulky like the old versions of ratcheting wrenches. I have a set of Armstrong ratcheting wrenches (same) and I absolutely love them. Good luck.

Oh yeah, if you get the heater hose out of the way first it will give you a little more room to get on that bolt.

You gotta hold your tongue just right and use a few choice words. I changed mine once, need to do it again. I keep putting it off, 'cause it's such a PITA.

Take off the idler/alternator bracket, take off the water pump, take off the timing chain cover and voila...easy access to the bolts...:eek:

All kidding aside, it's a major PITA!!! I would suggest making sure that the thermo gasket is tacked onto the housing pretty well holding in the thermoso it doesn't come off as you're trying to put it back together.