How hard to change thermostat?

Anonymous-0 · Nov 19, 2008

I think I have figured out why my truck takes forever to warm up. It's taking longer and longer, so I'm going to change the thermostat. Apparently the thermostat comes with the housing($43.00). How hard is it to change on a 2000 Chev. Silverado 2500 with a 6 litre gas engine? Anything I need to watch out for? Also, is there a drain for the rad? Thanks. Dave

pat sublett · Nov 19, 2008

Make sure that you are not low on coolant. Believe it or not, that will cause the problem.

Dozer Guy · Nov 19, 2008

Hi Dave, There must be a drain on the bottom of the rad. And changing the thermostat SHOULD be a piece of cake. I havent changed one on that model yet , but if its any thing like the older GM trucks and cars , you should have no problem at all... The older ones just have 2 bolts holding down the housing, then clean the intake and housing from all old gasket material , place new thermostat into the intake , put new gasket (or O-ring if that type has one) and replace the housing, put in bolts that holds down the housing, put hose clamp on and tighten , fill with coolant, check for leaks , after warming up the engine, top off with coolant... YOU DONT have to drain ALL the coolant out of the engine before takeing the thermostat out. 1- 11/2 gallon will prob. get the coolant level down past the thermostat level... Good Luck......... Larry

Anonymous-0 · Nov 19, 2008

Coolant is full. Dave

dave guest · Nov 19, 2008

Wonder why you are changing housing, is this a new deal of thermostat? Seems like it should cost about $10 for stat. If there are bolts goin g in aluminum, need that messy silver stuff on them and do not remove hot. Threads may strip.

Anonymous-0 · Nov 19, 2008

The thermostat and housing come as a unit. It looks like it bolts to side of the water pump. One shop said the book rate is .7 hours to replace. I've changed a few that fit right on top the head but I was wondering if someone has done a 6 litre thermostat, so I'll know if there's anything special I have to do. I have to do it outside and it's not the middle of summer anymore. $80 labour to change a thermostat seems rediculous. Mind you, so does $43 for the thermostat. LoL Dave

Anonymous-0 · Nov 19, 2008

I asked a dealer why it was so expensive and he said it comes with the housing. I checked for aftermarket and they could get one a little cheaper but didn't have one in stock. Of course I couldn't have a normal $10 or $15 thermostat. Dave

Revredneck · Nov 20, 2008

I just checked on Autozone's website, and they have the thermostat for $19.95 with a lifetime warranty. The main thing you need watch out for is that you bleed all the air out of the system. I usually disconnect a heater hose on top of the engine while I'm filling the radiator. I've never done one of those engines, though. HTH
Good Luck and God Bless

Brian Jasper co. Ia · Nov 20, 2008

That thermostat is in the lower radiator hose inlet on the water pump. It comes as the whole hose inlet only. Like others have said, getting all of the trapped air out is not as easy as it sounds. If you do any work at all involving draining and refilling cooling systems, get an "Air Lift". The air lift pulls a vacuum on the cooling system from the radiator neck. It has a hose you put into a bucket of coolant. Just pull the vacuum, then open the valve, and the coolant goes in. No air locks. No problems. Works especially well on vehicles with rear heat and air. No burping air for a half hour.

How hard to change thermostat?

Anonymous-0

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pat sublett

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Dozer Guy

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Anonymous-0

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dave guest

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Anonymous-0

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Revredneck

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Brian Jasper co. Ia

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