Time to change the thermostat. Any tips?

[HighMileage]

It looks like all I have to do is unbolt that distributor hold-down looking clamp,and pull the housing off to access the thermostat.

But first,I'll drain the radiator.

I've got a 160'F 'stat I'm gonna put in and a new housing and o-ring.

Is there anything else I have to remove? ..or are there any tips I should know of? Usually I drill a small hole in the thermostat to let air escape. Not sure if I'll do that in this case.

Over the winter I'll install the new hoses I have,the new OEM H2O pump and one of those fancy aluminum radiators.

The engine is running at a steady 185-190 right now.

Any input is appreciated.

 

[WH1_T-Type]

Look in the how to section for a thread I posted a bit back. Might be of some help.

 

[jopaustu]

Read the vortex Buick page if you haven't already. I think its in the tuning section. Great write up on cooling and oil temps.

 

[mearly65]

Leave the upper rad hose clamped to the thermostat neck. This way you'll have more to grab on to when you're trying to yank the neck out of the block.

 

[aminga]

Go ahead and buy a billet replacement neck.

 

[GNONYX]

Yesterday one of the board member already written how to replace the thermostat.
http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/threads/thermostat-something-simple.360001/#post-3051012

 

[huntsg]

X2 on the billet replacement neck.

 

[WH1_T-Type]

Don't waste your money on the billet neck. It's not like it is visible once it is installed. AutoZone sells a cast iron replacement that is VERY beefy and only seven bucks and change.

 

[fitz3820]

Either way, have a new neck on hand as you will probably destroy the stock one as it will be stuck fairly hard in there...

 

[WH1_T-Type]

Agree.

 

[groumoutis]

Here is a great tip instead of drilling a hole. Pry the thermostat open enough to put a aspirin in there to keep it wedged open and install it. Once you fill up the system the aspirin will dissolve as the coolant is pumped through it. It works great. If you have big hands find someone with small ones to put the clamp back on.

 

[WH1_T-Type]

Clever. I like it.