Thermostat replacement 3.1L

[walleye_hunter]

I want to replace the thermostat on a 95 Grand Prix with a 3.1L engine.
The thermostat is tucked-in under the throttle body, and is partially hidden by the exhaust pipe coming around from the engine's front-side exhaust header. Trying to access the rear bolt on the water outlet pipe, to remove the thermostat, is extremely difficult to say the least. So far, I've removed the air cleaner assembly and still can't get access that rear bolt. Is it necessary to also remove the throttle body?

Thanks

[Chazman]

No, this might help you.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=337907

[walleye_hunter]

Thanks for the information Chazman. It took me almost three hours to remove and replace the thermostat. During my first attempt, I didn't know enough to remove the air cleaner housing (bottom half of air cleaner assembly). Doing so, allows ample room for a socket wrench on the front bolt of the water outlet pipe. As for the rear bolt, that's another story. One needs long fingers and patience - plenty of the latter. An after-market supplier should manufacture a replacement for GM's water outlet pipe. The rear ear (the notched end) should be about a half inch thicker, accompanied with a half inch longer bolt. Moving the rear bolt both out and away from the curved pipe would make access easier. The downside would be having two different length bolts, but
I think that's better than the current design. Oh well... Thanks again for your help.

[Chazman]

NP, glad I could help.