thermostat install

[ericmad]

i just ordered the hypertech thermostat from pfyc, and was wondering how difficult of a job this was to do myself. i've got a 01 GA v6, and from what i can see, it looks like the thermostat housing is below the TB(which may need to be removed). but i'm not sure. any words of wisdom on how to do this job properly?? any help will be greatly appreciated.

eric

[4kQuad]

Most cars if you follow the Top hose that come out the raditor to where it goes in the block of the motor, that is where the stat lives. 2.4 have theres hid.

BIG HINT TO SAVE MONEY!!
when you loosen the bolts that hold the stat cover on. Crack one then the other. then start to loosen the bolts. The stat cover has got hot and cold many times and became brittle. if you release all the presure from one side, it puts a bind on the other side.

When you go to tighten the bolts....take...your....time. thighten them down equaly as best as you can. If you tighten one side then the other IT WILL brake. Maybe not while you are working on it, but give it a day or two and you will be driving down the road and the dam thing will start leaking through a crack.

CLean the area good before installing new stat and gaskets, if old gasket stuff is left on the block, the new gasket will not seal right.

If you take your time, you will be fine.
Thats my hints/help.

[Old Guy]

Great hints!!

I wish it was as easy as most engines, but because of where it's located it's a real PITA to change (sorry ericmad, but I did mine a month ago and it's not a fun job)

First off here's the instructions:

http://www.grandamgt.com/thermostat-pfyc.html
You don't have to pull the throttle body, just your stock intake and stock filter box if you still have one. Some guys have removed the exhaust crossover pipe, but if you're patient you can get to the thermostat without doing that. There is no gasket, there's a rubber seal on the thernostat, just make sure you get it in straight. I think I had to put the thermostat in the block first and then kinda wiggle the housing until it went over it.

Oh and when you put it back on, put in the bolt to the rear first....it's really hard to align the fron one and hold everything in place.

Good Luck!!!!

[LargeFish]

Might want to recheck that link, I think it's in there twice.

[Old Guy]

Yep...it sure was!!! Works now!!

[Themeneea]

how much coolant comes out?
do you refill at the resovouir?

[4kQuad]

Yes some will come out if you don't drain a little before you start.
But you just need to release a couple quarts on most motors. If it's clean put it back in the resevore, If not time to change out the cooling fluid.

[AlDiaz2331]

Changing the thermostat on our engine, the v6 is a PITA big time. Mainly because it's located right behind the exhaust manifold on the side of the engine, the lower right bolt will be a pain to get out but if you have the open end wrench for it and smooth hands you'll be able to do it without having to remove the heat shield of the manifold. I've done it 3 times, i can do it in about 15 mins now, you're going to have to remove a few coolant lines so you can get room to get the socket in for the top left bolt however, it's fun nonetheless, atleast i thought so. Always something new.

[Themeneea]

will i notice a drop in temp on my temp gauge with the new thermostat?

[99GrandAMSE]

Originally posted by Themeneea
will i notice a drop in temp on my temp gauge with the new thermostat?

Yes :)

[AlDiaz2331]

you'll notice generally the temp will go down to around the area of 185-190, which is a good decrease from the over 200 which will also put excess wear on the intake gasket if you have not gotten the new one yet. Kinda like preventative maintenance :)