Thermostat in 2005 Chevy Venture

Lesformore · Nov 1, 2010

This vehical has allways had a very cool running engine and this year its running cooler than ever. Not good for the engine. I called a local dealeship for a cost estimate, they want $20 for the thermostat which is ok but 2.2 hours to install it at a cost of $275.00 I think I know why GM is in the big trouble its in. Their design people don"t care one bit how much it costs to repair a vehical. It seems to me they plan to make more on repairs than they do selling you the vehical to begin with.

buickanddeere · Nov 1, 2010

They do.The company and dealership looses money selling mid to low end vehicles. Income to pay the bills, wages, taxes etc is from high end vehicles. And from the service department.

JDemaris · Nov 1, 2010

Don't blame GM. A new Gates or Stant thermostat costs $4.80, not $20. On a bad day, it's a one-hour job to change. I've done several 3.3s. It's your shop that's making lots of money on the deal, not General (external_link) Motors.

Hobo,NC · Nov 1, 2010

I use OEM stats and would get 2.5hr. for that job,,, give it a shot you are not gonna like it...

Bob · Nov 1, 2010

Just wait 'til you have to pay the 'stealer to replace the fuel filter in a '10 D-Max!

bradk · Nov 2, 2010

I"m with you,Hobo,

If it were a 10 minute t-stat change,which this IS NOT,an aftermarket one would be okay.On a 3100 or 3400,get the good GM one for $20.

I don"t think these guys know where that t-stat is on the 3400. Not a fun job,especially in a Venture!

Hobo,NC · Nov 2, 2010

(quoted from post at 05:58:36 11/02/10) Just wait 'til you have to pay the 'stealer to replace the fuel filter in a '10 D-Max!

Must be a bear,,, the first venture I did was a sumbutch,,, I did learn a trick are 2 that's called experience,,, I'm not tell'n I shinned my knuckles and paid my dues :wink: one thang is for sure,,, I'm not going to chance a redo use'n cheap parts,,, OEM on the stat,, it is what it is and that's what the customer pays.... its fixed one time the first time that's what the customer pays for..

I spec you side of the island is like mine,,, aftermarket parts are not what they use to be,,, junk,,, junk that causes more problems than what you had when the vehicular comes thru the door,,, I don't make it I fix it,,, I use more OEM parts now than I ever have ,,, that's what it cost to fix it right and dependable,,, it is what it is and that's what the customer pays...

JDemaris · Nov 2, 2010

I know exactly where the thermostat is in a 3.4 Venture and have changed several. Worst part is the exhaust pipe in the way.

As to using only OEM parts? What the heck does that mean? Once upon a time, some OEM parts were actually made and/or designed by GM. Now? GM buys those thermostats "aftermarket", just like we do. Even if you chose to pay extra by getting the AC Delco brand -they are mostly reboxing parts and also buying "aftermarket."

I'm going to assume that some people on these forums have mechanical skills and turn wrenches. For those that do, this job is not that big of a deal unless something is rusty or stuck. Paying $20 for a $5 thermostat is kind of rediculous. As to the labor charge? If I was doing it, I charge whatever time it took, no more and no less.

Hobo,NC · Nov 2, 2010

(quoted from post at 13:38:21 11/02/10) I know exactly where the thermostat is in a 3.4 Venture and have changed several. Worst part is the exhaust pipe in the way.

As to using only OEM parts? What the heck does that mean? Once upon a time, some OEM parts were actually made and/or designed by GM. Now? GM buys those thermostats "aftermarket", just like we do. Even if you chose to pay extra by getting the AC Delco brand -they are mostly reboxing parts and also buying "aftermarket."

I'm going to assume that some people on these forums have mechanical skills and turn wrenches. For those that do, this job is not that big of a deal unless something is rusty or stuck. Paying $20 for a $5 thermostat is kind of rediculous. As to the labor charge? If I was doing it, I charge whatever time it took, no more and no less.

Chance a 5k engine replacement is to save a few nanners for the customer why chance it, why take on the liability ... their are allot of folks that will melt it down,,, could B your liability.... that's what you get save'n a few nanners,,,, nanners you can not eat either,,, book time is 2.2 hr with out A.I.R,,, add .8 with A.I.R.,,, as much you get screwed quoting book time why give up time... If cheap stats are so good why do they offer good and better,,, I will take the original option and let y'all fiddle with the lesser choice...

When a judge has to make the final ( it happens) call I want him to know I installed the best... I have no problem with folks do'n their own work,,, this one would make a great one to hone in their skills.... go for it...

Thermostat in 2005 Chevy Venture

Lesformore

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buickanddeere

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JDemaris

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Hobo,NC

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Bob

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bradk

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Hobo,NC

Well-known Member

JDemaris

Well-known Member

Hobo,NC

Well-known Member

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