I've changed thermostats before, they are 15 minute jobs. This one may be a problem as I unbolted the housing from the 2007 3.3 engine and found that the removed housing contained the thermostat and not the engine.

As I was plagued by mosquitoes, I just rebolted it back together as I could not pry the old thermostat out quickly and didn't want to damage it.

I'll try again in a few days, away from the bushes. Is there is technique or tab that has to be removed to get the old thermostat out?

I did not see a gasket so it didn't appear to need one when reassembled?

 

The thermostat doesn't have a gasket because the oring seal around the t-stat seals it. It is also what holds it to the housing. Just pry it out, it will be fine. Make sure the new t-stat comes with a new seal.

 

Thanks a lot, it makes more sense now. The parts people sold me a thermostat and regular gasket and not an o-ring, so I wasn't clear what I discovered while being bitten by the mosquitoes.

I'll take back the gasket and get an o-ring for the thermostat. Thanks for your help.