How do I change the thermostat on a Buick Century?

[thundarbirds]

I have a 1995 Buick Century with a 3.1 V6. The thermostat housing is well hidden behind the exhaust manifold. Do I need to remove the manifold to change it? Or will there be enough clearance to remove it? I don't want to undo the bolts and then find out I can't get the housing and tstat out. Thanks.

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

You can do it without removing the exhaust crossover. You'll need to either buy a half moon 13mm wrench, or fab up your own wrench.

 

[oldblue99]

Is replacing the thermostat on the '95 century going to be the same as the '99 century? I need to do mine but it looks like impossible to do without removing the exhaust crossover. Thanks.

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

Pretty much the same deal. You'll need to remove the throttle body, so get a new gasket for that too.

 

[ROGERRABBIT]

Pretty much the same deal. You'll need to remove the throttle body, so get a new gasket for that too.

Brownstone is right. Keep in mind of a few things there are small heater hoses on the throttle body that connect to the heater pipe just above the thermostat and I would highly recommend replacing the hoses if you are going to remove the throttle body. I did the following last weekend when replacing the thermostat.

Unlatch top of air box and remove
unscrew three bottom bolts holding air box to car
remove air box
unscrew air rubber boot to throttle body then remove
unscrew top and bottom bolts to throttle body
remove throttle body and remove heater hoses to throttle body and heater pipe
take throttle body cleaner and wire brush and clean inside throttle removing all gum deposits since you have it removed
follow heater pipe to left of engine and unscrew bolt by steering fluid reservoir and follow heater pipe to right side and remove heater hose
remove heater piper to gain access to thermostat cover
use a 13mm wrench to remove both top and rightside bolt of thermostat cover
remove thermostat and if rubber seal doesn't come out take a screw driver and pry out
install new thermostat taking note how old stat was install
Place Permatex RTV thermostat sealant around thermostat cover bolt holes and install cover bolts and let set for 24hrs
Buy new throttle body gasket from Napa and install with throttle body
install rubber boot and screw tight to throttle body
re-install air box with three screw to car body
Place air box top back on and latch
YOUR DONE!!