reading some other posts about each lately ...
Wondering how many of you all that changed the thermostats
took off the AC compressor, Alt. , brackets and such ?
Or go for it at the top 2 bolts only ?

 

I just changed mine back to a 195 degree from a 180 today. It threw a code for being too cold for too long.

I didn't take anything else off but the thermostat housing. Use a chisel on the gasket mating surface to get the old stuff off. Scrape away from the thermostat and leave the old thermostat in place to help keep old gasket pieces from falling into the engine.

Be careful with the bolts too, I had one fall behind the alternator bracket and couldn't find it. Use a magnet or something like that to keep hold of them.

 

I am also going back to 195* ,
driving back to Illinois later this month for 10 days.
having heat would be good ...

 

wow Tony , looks like your the only one that has changed the thermostat,
thanks for the reply .

 

just the two top bolts is sufficient. If you're lucky, the gasket will stick to the riser and not the beer keg.

 

At least you guys don't have to deal with the 4.7 thermostat. That thing used to make me cuss. Nowadays, I remove the fan shroud/coolant overflow tank to get to it from up top.