Replacing thermostat?

OK, I saw the post here about changing the thermostat - http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=759780

that's great info. Thanks! My question is this...

Should I expect lots of coolant coming out of there once I take it apart to get to the thermostat, or is it a minor amount?

Thanks

Actually, the directions call for draining the Radiator before you replace the thermostat....But you CAN do the job without draining the radiator. If your Cooling system is dirty or hasn't been flushed in a long time......Now would be the time to do it though before refilling the cooling system with new Anti-freeze! You'll lose some (QT+) anti-freeze and need to have a pan below the "Thermostat Gooseneck" area you are working in to catch it. Make Sure the engine is Cold before doing the repair and the gasket surfaces are completly clean and dry before re-assembling the goose neck to the engine with a NEW gasket. Do yourself a favor and DONT Buy a cheap $4.99 thermostat either!!! Buy a $15.00 Stant Premium or Fail Safe thermostat..... Here's the instructions from the Field Service Manual and I linked up the great pic 91Caprice9C1 Provided you from the other post.

Thermostat Service and Repair:

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Drain cooling system.
3. Remove radiator inlet hose at thermostat housing.
4. Remove thermostat housing and thermostat.
5. Clean both gasket surfaces thoroughly.
6. Reverse procedure to install.


7. Top off (Or Refill) Cooling System with Anti-Freeze.
8. Start and run the car with the heater in the ON/Full heat position until the car is up to full operating temperture.
9. Check for any leaks in the thermostat goose neck area while the cars warming up.
10. Let the car cool off and recheck the anti-freeze level......Top off if nessasary until it's at the correct level in the overflow bottle.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j64/isc20/84978762.gif

...the Field Service Manual...


GM - is this the same as the Factory Service Manual? I would assume so, except that I heard that there exist 'Field Technicians' who are summoned when dealer techs are unable to solve a problem. So I was wondering if a 'Field Tech' had a different source of information.

-MechanicMatt

GM - is this the same as the Factory Service Manual? I would assume so, except that I heard that there exist 'Field Technicians' who are summoned when dealer techs are unable to solve a problem. So I was wondering if a 'Field Tech' had a different source of information.

-MechanicMatt
Yea Matt.....In this case, "Field Service Manual" and "Factory Service Manual" are the Same book. Field service manual is sometimes what GM refers to their manuals because it can be bought and used by the end user also (Vehicle Owner) as those repairs are fixed out in the field, rather than at a Dealership.

Thanks