2002 Grand prix thermostat 3100 - HELP!!

[Partyfavor3]

I have an '02 Grand Prix with a 3100 in it and trying to get the thermostat out. Do I have to drop the exhaust to get to it?

Thanks
Jim

[BNaylor]

Welcome to AF.

No but removing the exhaust crossover heat shield helps a little. If you use the right tools like out of a 1/4" drive socket set and small open end wrenches it makes the job easier. Some people remove the throttle body and the coolant lines to get to the thermostat on the VIN "J" 3100 engine.

[Partyfavor3]

Thanks, I finally gave up!! I tried to remove the heat shield, I got it loose but couldn't tell what was keeping it from coming out. I tried using an open end wrench, but couldn't get enough leverage to loosen the bolt.

I told my wife to find a boy friend that was a mechanic or we can just trade the nightmare off next month.

[tblake]

its actually not that bad... Try taking the throttle body off first. While your there, clean that carbon buildup off and install a new tb gasket. Takes about an hour to do topps.