Does the thermostatic valve slide out?
 

Ok, I've spent *hours* looking at previous posts about the external thermostat. Even though my new cooler is getting hot, I wanted to statically check the function of my tstat. I was able to remove the tstat end plug fairly easily and I wanted to put the thermostatic valve in some water and see if it was opening up fully. But once I got the end plug & spring out, the valve didnt come out with it. Can this be removed without removing the entire tstat housing?

Please, any help is appreciated...

Which thermostat? I guess you mean the external one in the right rear wheel well. Not many folks disassemble these. We're afraid of the aluminum housing. Congratulations for getting the end plug off. Heating the housing might help, but you've got combustible oil there. Perhaps air pressure can push it out. Be careful, as pistons can exit cylinders with some force under air pressure. Use low air pressure at first.

Just reach in with your pinky, it will slide right out.

Pete

Superman, ya I guess I was pretty lucky as it only took about 20 minutes, no PB blaster, and one heat cycle with the blow torch. A bit of "persuasion" with a good 'ol pipe wrench and she was loose. It chewed the disk up just a little, but that's not much of a concern.

Pete - I could feel it, but it didnt move right away. How tight is it against the wall of the thermostat housing? I'm wondering if I could wiggle it to get it going.

Thanks for the replys guys, I truely appreciate it.