stuck snap ring on t-stat!
 

Help! The snap ring is stuck, and probably the original, so its stuck and hard to get out.

Any tips?

TIA

does it not compress with the snap pliers? or what.

well, its supposed to.;)

so what's the problem? if it compresses, it should just pull out.

Persistance...
 

I just went through this same problem.

I was able to get a short screwdriver and tap (with small hammer) against the side of the snap ring all of the way around. There was just enough "give" in the t-stat gasket to have slight (micrometer size) sideways movement - which is enough to loosen. I then tapped on one of the ends of the ring to turn it in the housing around to the 11:00 position. I took a 90 degree set of snap ring pliers, cut them short and bent to fit. Idid remove the oil filter and coil for better access.

A real PITA, but it will eventually come out.

Good luck!

Ok...that's what I'll do then. Thanks crazy.

I did this recently. Working from underneath, with car secured on jackstands. Used 45 degree snapring pliers. Not easy, but it will work if you keep trying. '83 944.:D