Removing tstat pipe

How exactly is it done? I'm doing the intake gaskets as well as the heads, but have come to a halt over a stupid issue like this. I even removed the heat shield nearby and I STILL don't have room... Also tried a flex socket. Haynes manual does not go into detail on how to get this thing off and it needs to come off anyway since the tstat is stuck. Upper intake manifold is off... so are the valve covers... I want to get this damn thing done. What is the proper method for doing this?

i used a flex extension. bottom bolt only needs to be loosened. Make sure the thermostat inside is pressed against the intake when you are trying to remove the outlet.

note the outlet is SLOTTED so the bolt does not have to be completely removed.

EDIT: I see what you mean by flex extension now. Thanks again.

ok i am going to revisit this one since i removed the thermostat to flush my system last night.

i used a box end 13mm wrench to remove the bottom bolt. hold the wrench under the exhaust. a short wrench is better. you can only turn the wrench a little at a time. cannot use a ratchet unless you remove the cross-over exhaust pipe.




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