ok i'm probablly gonna go and get the 180 thermostat and i was gonna try and install it myself.
i've seen a tutorial on how to do it on a gtp somewhere and it dosen't seem that hard.. can someone tell me if this is right?¿?.....
basically, unscrew the coolant hose that leads into the top of ur engine, lift it up and get ready for some coolant to spill out, then the termostat should be right there to change. after you take out the thermo then poor the coolant that spilled in past where the thermo was, put the new one in, screw the hose back on and ur back in business. is it really this easy, or am i missing something?

thanks

Two 10mm studs/nuts. Lift off the housing/neck with the hose attached. Coolant will spill. Pull the old thermostat out. Stuff a rag down in the hole in the intake, and up in the hole of the housing to prevent debris from getting in there. CAREFULLY scrape all the old gasket material away. These are aluminum parts, so I don't need to say any more.

After it'* all clean, pull the 2 rags out. Install a new rubber seal on the new thermostat, and drop it in, pressing it down flush with the top of the lower intake with your thumbs. Install the new gasket with the orange stripes up, and the tab pointing towards the radiator. Put it back together. Start the car, and wait for the temp to climb enough for the thermostat to start cycling. Top off the coolant in the radiator and coolant reservior.

No need to use any other type of sealant unless either of the mating surfaces is corroded or pitted.

You can save yourself some trouble by draining coolant first, and then putting it back when you're done, and also paying attention to how the old gasket was situated. You DO NEED a rubber seal AND a gasket.

My 12 year old daughter just did another thermostat 2 weeks ago on our Bonneville. Piece of cake.

Piece of cake. In fact, I've done mine 5 times now. :? I had the pitting that Willwren mentioned so it took a few tries to get it sealed right. Eithere I didn't use added sealant (Blue RTV), or I used the wrong type or amount. Just follow what Willwren said and you should be fine. It wouldn't hurt to have a tube of Blue RTV on hand incase the metal is pitted. That way you don't need to go for parts while working on it. Good luck!

I did this on my MC SS a few years back. Locate the low side drain valve on the radiator. Simply drain out a gallon or so of coolant into a clean bucket/Rubbermaid wash tub first. With the radiator cap off, you should be able to judge when the coolant level is below the top of the intake. This eliminates the coolant spill. Once the thermostat and gasket are installed, you can pour the drained coolant back in. Remember to check for leaks after the car has come up to temp.

Jay

I bought one of those oil drain pans with the removeable lid. Jseabert and I use it only for coolant. makes it alot easier. If your mating surfaces have pits, just use a small 1/8" bead of RTV on the pitted surface, then install the gasket.

man, you guys are the best
thanks for the directions Willwren, it does seem pretty easy

I went to PepBoys today and asked for the 180 thermostat for my car and the guy could only tell me what I already know, that there'* a 195 in there. He had no clue as to what 180 would fit. Does anyone know the part # for it???

thanks again

Depends on the brand you're getting. The last couple digits in the part number will be different. He should be able to cross-reference to a 180 of the same dimensions. If he can't, go somewhere with a guy with a brain. Don't forget the rubber seal and gasket.

Alright, I'll shop around for people with brains and hopefully I'll get lucky.

Ya I finally got my 180 in. I got it from NAPA for 6 bucks. I did it myself (Note my mechanical skills sucks) and I got my coolant flushed. I thought it was time. But 1 little thing, I don't know if this is normal but my car it will go up to 180 on my temp gauge in my car, and like once it hits it it will go down to like 150 or lower, and then it will climb back up and do the same thing over. I was just wondering if anyone has any seg. Anyways my 6 bucks is well spent.

I have the 180 and on colder days (below freezing) it will actually stay consistant around 165. If your not getting any SES lights or othere noticeablr performance issues from it dipping down I wouldn't worry about it too much.