Thermostat Removal Tips

sketchers356 · 06-02-2007, 04:22 PM

Hi,
I have been having a bear of a time taking out that darned circlip and thermostat out. I have obviously taken the water pump to lower radiator hose out and I have additionally taken the hard plastic hose out that goes from the upper radiator to the block that goes right by the airbox. However, I cant seem to get the circlip pliers in at the right angle and I have also been trying some of the other methods that people have posted.

I have tried to use my dremel with a rotary cutting disc or a drill bit attachment but have not been able to get at the right angle to get at it and the circlip is really tough.

I have been trying to pry at it with a punch in the circlip's hole but I cant seem to budge it.

First: Right now the circlips holes are near the bottom of the water pump. Is this where they should be?

Second: I just bought the circlip pliers that were at my local hardware store. Not sure if they are what i should be using. They were pretty generic and have replaceable heads. I have been trying to use the 45 and 90 degree ones. Is there a specific pair of pliers that makes this easier?

Third: Should I be removing some of the other pipes etc. to make this easier?

Any other advice would be appreciated. I really wish that I could take this thing off.

Aufenbahn · 06-02-2007, 04:41 PM

There is a special tool available that is a very short circlip pliers that in effect has no handles - instead it is actuated by a screw and knob. I don't know where you would find one but I have seen a picture of it somewhere - probably on here!

bazar01 · bazar01's Garage

The circlip holes positioned in the bottom is the most convenient.

You have to have the right snap ring plier set to get this out.
Otherwise, you will just get frustrated doing this maintenance work yourself.
Check this out. It comes with different tips, straight, 90-degree bent, etc.
I used the 90-degree bent tip and replaced my thermostat in 30 minutes.
Or get something similar.
https://www.aeincorporated.com/Hi-Tech/?category=&page=show_item_detail&id=356&qs=c2VhcmNoX3RleHQ9MTI2NS1rJnBhZ2U9c2VhcmNoJnNlYXJ jaF9pbj1hbGw=

sketchers356 · 06-02-2007, 07:08 PM

Are you working from above or below the car?

bazar01 · bazar01's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by sketchers356
Are you working from above or below the car?

From above.

sketchers356 · 06-03-2007, 11:52 AM

I think that I might try the snap on SRPC9045A pliers.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?search=true&item_ID=70071&PartNo=PR5645A&group_id=771&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

Jsilverman · 06-04-2007, 07:41 AM

What worked for me was looking between the gap in the headlight panel to see inside the water pump. Then I could get the snap ring pliers in there and sort of see what I was doing. I used the 45 deg pliers. If you have a dremel Id try cutting a small notch in the end of the pliers to sort of hook on to the snap ring so they dont slip off as you try to compress and remove the ring. Good luck!

hpaulb · 06-04-2007, 07:54 AM

I ended up bending mine. Then they broke. Then I brazed them back together with a 80-90 deg angle. What a hastle. I also found three different engines, that the ring did not want to go back in with a new rubber ring. Ended up getting close then using a punch to tap it into position. Still not sure if the entire ring is in the grove.