1996 APV thermostat

My 1996 APV 3.4's thermostat seems to be "sticking" (i.e. won't blow heat upon warm-up and then suddenly heat will blow along with temp. gauge rise and sudden drop). I plan on replacing the thermostat but noticed that the air cleaner assembly needs removed and there is another component that branches from the manifold that passes behind the inlet tube. Does anyone know if there is enough clearence to remove the inlet tube and gain access to the thermostat w/o disturbing this?

Changed my thermostat in my96 Lumina apv 3.4 You can remove thermostat without removing the exhaust pipe there is room. However it is a tight fit and takes patience. Also make sure the coolant is full because mine has the same problem when coolant is low

Thanks for the heads-up rob584!

Changed my thermostat in my96 Lumina apv 3.4 You can remove thermostat without removing the exhaust pipe there is room. However it is a tight fit and takes patience. Also make sure the coolant is full because mine has the same problem when coolant is low
True, he might want to check level and bleed the system before putting a 'stat in. That might be all that's wrong. Then the question is, where did the air pocket come from?