Thermostat question

Resilient · #1 (**permalink**) 01-22-07, 06:28 PM

Following my low to no heat inside the cabin issue: and it seems to be pointing more and more to an open thermostat (engine never reaches operating temp or mid-gauge, and last summer I had issues that seem to point to a twitchy thermostat), I've decided to have my thermostat checked and tested... but wanted to gather opionions:

Once the thermostat is pulled for testing, is it worth it to just get it replaced all out.... My dealership rarely has any parts for my Cat, so once it's pulled, and they test it, if it's good or not... would you replace it anyway?

ewill3rd · #2 (**permalink**) 01-22-07, 07:51 PM

It is not worth it to put a T-stat back in, if you think it is bad, just replace it. They don't cost enough to justify the labor of trying to save one.
You will waste more money in coolant than you would if you just buy a t-stat.

Resilient · #3 (**permalink**) 01-23-07, 01:59 PM

Thanks, yes I have a new one ready to put in.

I just needed confirmation for the ease of my mind... in the good old days I would have done job (change the thermostat) myself... but without a garage, during winter and the position of the T-Stat and housing... nah, will get it changed... can't hurt either, as my Cat is over 155000 km....

Marks DTM Calib · #4 (**permalink**) 01-25-07, 03:38 AM

If it is the later stat body design (has some re-enforcing ribs close to the base of the stat where it joins onto the block) then you need new longer bolts to fit it.

The bolts also require a dab of sealent on the trheads as they screw through into a coolant passage

Resilient · #5 (**permalink**) 01-26-07, 11:03 AM

This is insane... the dealership is now quoting me a 900$ job to change my T-Stat...

The part is 55$ CAD... and 3.5 shop time... BUT they say with this gasket here, this gasket there etc, etc... I end up with 500$ worth of parts?!!

Does this make any sense to anyone?

The shop manuals don't seem to make look like such an involve huge job... HELP

ewill3rd · #6 (**permalink**) 01-26-07, 04:39 PM

On a catera you must remove the upper and lower intake for access to it.
I know it is hard to remove the housing but to be frank, I have never actually done one.
I have heard stories.
Alldata shows 2.2 hours for labor on that job.
If your tech is familiar with the Catera engine I might trust him to know which seals are to be replaced.

Resilient · #7 (**permalink**) 01-26-07, 06:32 PM

No don't get me wrong, I trust him... and I'm ok with the T-stat price and labour to replace, since it really isn't an easy job...
... I just find it ironic that more than 50% of the end cost of the entire job is for gaskets and seals... funny, 450$ worth of rubber and cork....

GMtech07 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-26-07, 10:03 PM

all you replace is the T-stat and the 2 gaskets that go on to the pipe leding from the stat to the upper hose on the driver side of the motor. If they are not replaced it will leak... The part that sucks about the job is that you have to push the motor up to get the pipe out to remove the stat. pretty much the same as the 03 cts same motor for the most part.

ewill3rd · #9 (**permalink**) 01-27-07, 09:51 AM

Did they give you a list of parts that they want to replace.
Most of the intake seals are reusable (if not all)

Resilient · #10 (**permalink**) 01-29-07, 01:23 PM

No not yet (well yes quickly over the phone...but).

They still need to check it oput before doing anything... I think I have a coolant leak, which may be contributing, had to add 1/2 cup of coolant last week, first time in a long time (and the low coolant light came on for a few secs)....

No coolant on the snow covered driveway, no weird coolant burning smell in the exhaust and no apparent engine bay splash back or puddlling...? Last place I can think is in the oil pan... but they will find it with the coolant pressure test.... sigh, times like this makes me want to change cars... a little.