How to remove thermistat?

[Shane]

I'm trying to replace my thermistat, which is something that I have never done before. I removed the upper radiator hose and the bolt that was securing the half moon shaped thing holding the thermistat housing on. Now I can't get the thermistat housing off. What gives?

 

[TRBON8R]

Removing the water neck from the manifold can be a real pain. Take a pair of needle nose pliers and gently rock the water neck back and forth while pulling. You might also want to spray some WD40 or something similar to help break it loose. If you're unlucky you may wind up destroying the neck trying to get it loose. If that happens don't fear, most of the TR vendors stock replacements. Hope that helps.

 

[BADINBLACK6]

Shane, you just have to pull real hard and wiggle it up and down it will come loose. If you can grab it with channel locks or pliers just don't squeeze to hard. It probably was never change or hasn't been for a long time. Maybe try hooking the hose back up and pulling with that.HTH

 

[Terbro]

You can't get it off 'cause they're a bitch!!! The FIRST thing I would do is spray around WD40 at the base. There's an 0-ring in there, and lubing it up will help greatly. Use channel lock pliers and start wagging. It's better to grip it by inserting the pliers inside and just clamping on one wall vs. around the whole of the tube. It's thin metal and could dent easily.

You can also use a screwdriver to get under the lip where the housing meets the intake. But pry gently...you can distort that easily too.

I went with a billet aftermarket housing after tweeking mine. It never leaked, but it looked like hurl.

Terry

 

[Shane]

I'll try that, thanks guys.
I busted out the blowtorch and heated it a bit, hoping that that would help, but it didn't. I'll try the WD-40.

 

[Terbro]

Easy on that blowtorch...you'll sautee that rubber O-ring.

Terry

 

[strikeeagle]

1. Spray with WD-40
2. Leave the hose attached!!!
3. Pull real hard, but don't break your hand/arm or the car in the process.
4. Have a billet, stainless steel replacement neck and new o-ring at the ready.
5. Clean everything up carefully (including blood), lube the hell out of the new o-ring with WD-40 or Vaseline, and go for it...

 

[scottyb]

I absolutely destroyed mine trying to remove it. I figgered it had 155,000 miles of grime and 16 years of rust.

NAPA has the updated neck for about 10 clams. Be sure to specify that it is for an 89 Firebird 3.8 Turbo and get a new o-ring too. They don't stock them for Buicks.

 

[Terbro]

I'm surprised that NAPA has them. What makes it "updated"? You may want to spring for the $22-30 get one from Postons or ATR for the billet...no worries about ruining those.

T

 

[scottyb]

Originally posted by Terbro
I'm surprised that NAPA has them. What makes it "updated"? You may want to spring for the $22-30 get one from Postons or ATR for the billet...no worries about ruining those.

T

It's cast instead of stamped "sheet metal" like the one I pulled out. I was surprised too. It was very nice.

 

[Brian Mc]

I got a cast gm replacement, but it rusted quick and have to paint or powdercoat it