Hi all
My 02 plate 1.8 vectra (Z18XE engine) takes an absolute age to warm up, and the top hose on the rad gets warm after only a couple of mins from cold, so this leads me to think the thermostat is stuck open.
The thermostat housing is held on by what I believe are 2 torx bolts, my question is: How do you get to the bottom one? Accesss is very limited for both of them but especially the bottom one!
Anyone changed this before?
Thanks
GazKaz
Edited by Pugugly on 30/03/2008 at 22:50
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remove the top hose , you will have to do this anyway as the stat is built into the top part of the housing
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Hi topbloke
I realise that the top hose has to come off, but this still leaves little or no access to the bottom bolt on the housing.
Cheers!
GazKaz
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Any suggestions would be appreciated!
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I posted the same question some time ago and got the following reply:
"The torx size you need is a E14, spanner for the top bolt and 3/8 socket for the bottom. You need to remove the exhaust manifold heat shield to gain access to the bottom bolt with the socket, ideally with a universal joint attached to the socket.
I you have a old E14 spanner you dont mind butchering, there is another way. Hold the head of the spanner in a vice and heat with a flame, hot enough to bend metal with and bend the handle right around approx 300 degrees so that the handle is almost touching the head, this will allow you to get in to the bottom bolt.
Both these methods avoid touching the power steering resovoir.
When taking off the heatshield, beware of the possibillity of siezed bolts and use a bit of coppaslip upon refitting.
Hope this helps for futute reference.
Pastyman.. "
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Thanks Chris, that's a great help. Did you do yours ok? Any problems?
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No, the reply came too late for me. The car was due a cambelt change that I didn't have time to do myself, so I got my local indy to do both jobs at the same time.
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