Feb 20, 2015, 05:54 PM
Last edit by: IB Advertising
See related guides and technical advice from our community experts:
Browse all: Engine and Powertrain
- How to Replace Thermostat
Step by step instructions for do-it-yourselfers.
Browse all: Engine and Powertrain
How hard to replace thermostat?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 1
From: OR
How hard to replace thermostat?
It's a stupid question, but I like things to go smooth so I'll ask anyway. I have an '87 that I want to change the thermostat out. Can it be replaced without removing the intake stuff and hose that it's half buried under? If it can be done fast and dirty I'll do it soon. If it's an hours long project I'll wait till the weather is better. Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,830
Likes: 1
From: atlanta Georgia
well on my auto 1996 lt1 you just remove the intake ducting with the MAF. and its right there on top of the water pump... you remove the 2 bolts that hold the top part it... but you need to drain coolant so the level is below the thermosat so when you remove it coolant doesnt shoot everywhere! 
good luck
hopefully some one will chime in.
your friend
Sean
good luck
hopefully some one will chime in.
your friend
Sean
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
You will need to remove the EGR Solenoid & bracket from the T-stat housing rear bolt. I'm thinking you also need to remove the TB in order to get a socket onto the rear bolt, unless you have an offset box.
Here, carefully push the connector with the plastic tubing from the rear of the Solenoid.
Indeed drain about 1/2-1 gal of coolant and you should be ok on the spillage issue.
Use some Permatex #2 on the two bolts.
If you haven't already done the TB coolant bypass this is a good time to do it.
Here, carefully push the connector with the plastic tubing from the rear of the Solenoid.
Indeed drain about 1/2-1 gal of coolant and you should be ok on the spillage issue.
Use some Permatex #2 on the two bolts.
If you haven't already done the TB coolant bypass this is a good time to do it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 729
Ratcheting wrench is helpful
On my 1990, a ratcheting wrench would have been most helpful. It took me 30 minutes just to turn the two thermostat housing bolts enough to remove them because I had only a plain open end wrench.
Also, I accidently broke the vacuum T-fitting hose, which was brittle, because it is attached to the bolt on the thermostat housing. But I replaced the thermostat and my car is running at a better temperature now. -- Eric
Also, I accidently broke the vacuum T-fitting hose, which was brittle, because it is attached to the bolt on the thermostat housing. But I replaced the thermostat and my car is running at a better temperature now. -- Eric
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,137
Likes: 1,727
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Just be careful not to break or strip the bolts holding the housing in, they tend to break easily if they havent been replaced before.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 1
From: OR
Thanks for the replies. I better just wait for a few months, or a nice weekend at least, when it's warmer. Not much fun doing elective repairs in the cold and rain. Thought I'd give it a shot now if I could remove the stat housing using a swivel socket and a crows foot without removing a lot of other stuff. Sounds like that's not the case though.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: Redding Ca
I did a complete change on my '88 in about an hour, and that was taking my time. It could probably be done in 30-minutes, but I was careful because I had not done it before so I checked everything 2-3 times before I took something loose. Should be nearly identical to your '87. Just remove the easy stuff that is in the way (air inlet duct to the throttle body, etc). My main issue is one of the rubber tubes was brittle and cracked when I pulled it loose, but there was enough left I could trim off the broken part and still connect it back up. Be sure to let the radiator level below the thermostat or else have something ready to stop off the radiator hose. Some will spill out anyway, but it is no big deal. Have some paper towels handy. Be sure you have the right tools to get at the bolts and screws. One of the bolts is a bit hard to reach, but I had a wiggle socket and an end wrench that worked fine. This might sound silly, but be sure which end is "up" when the new one goes in. No point in doing it twice. 
Last edited by GeosFun; Feb 13, 2005 at 04:46 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 1
From: Hartland WI
Originally Posted by HeeHaw89
Times like these make me miss the days when I had my 70 SS 396 Chevelle. I could change the thermostat blinfolded in about 2 minutes.
Ain't that the truth
I did mine in my '88 a month or so ago - first time, and it took about an hour as well - not really hard, just sort of a pain. Did draw my first "corvette blood" though.
:see ya
