Changing thermostat 01 Grand Prix

[mrbreezeet1]

With the 3.1 engine.
Is it hard to get to? Not sure if that's what it needs but it overheated pretty quickly so I suspect the thermostat. Going to check the coolant level first.

 

[Nick1994]

With the 3.1 engine.
Is it hard to get to? Not sure if that's what it needs but it overheated pretty quickly so I suspect the thermostat. Going to check the coolant level first.

While it could be the thermostat, these are massively known for lower intake manifold gasket and head gasket leaks.

 

[mrbreezeet1]

While it could be the thermostat, these are massively known for lower intake manifold gasket and head gasket leaks.

Yes that's what I heard I certainly hope not I'm not looking to change no intake manifold gasket right now.
I'll have a look at the oil to make sure it doesn't look milky. The reason I'm suspecting the thermostat is that I drove the car a few days ago and it was fine and then I drove it a couple miles today and the temperature gauge was almost maxed out.
For testing purposes if it starts to overheat is it possible to tap on the thermostat housing to free the thermostat up?

 

[Chris142]

For testing purposes if it starts to overheat is it possible to tap on the thermostat housing to free the thermostat up?

Naw. Have you checked the coolant level by removing the radiator cap and looking? It took you longer to post your question than it will to change that thermostat.

 

[mrbreezeet1]

Naw. Have you checked the coolant level by removing the radiator cap and looking? It took you longer to post your question than it will to change that thermostat.

it's late, no I did not yet.

 

[daves87rs]

With overheating that quick my bet would be the thermostat.

3.1 may be underpowered, but they same to hold up ok in cars…. (Everything else not so much)

 

[mrbreezeet1]

With overheating that quick my bet would be the thermostat.

3.1 may be underpowered, but they same to hold up ok in cars…. (Everything else not so much)

I've had the car about 3 years it only has about 105,000 on it it's been a real good runner I can tell you that.
I did go ahead and order a thermostat.

 

[Chris142]

I've had the car about 3 years it only has about 105,000 on it it's been a real good runner I can tell you that.
I did go ahead and order a thermostat.

I would check the coolant level first

 

[mrbreezeet1]

I would check the coolant level first

Ok I will. Thank you

 

[mrbreezeet1]

If I do have to change the thermostat, I understand the bottom bolt hole is slotted so I only need to loosen the bottom bolt so much correct?

 

[mrbreezeet1]

And is there supposed to be a paper gasket for the thermostat housing or is just the rubber o-ring seal on the thermostat sufficient?

 

[Nukeman7]

This video should help you with the thermostat replacement procedure:

 

[97prizm]

With the 3.1 engine.
Is it hard to get to? Not sure if that's what it needs but it overheated pretty quickly so I suspect the thermostat. Going to check the coolant level first.

Unfortunately stant was bought out by motorad which made mediocre products. Go for the "premium line" as they are much beefier and better built. I'd Also flush the coolant to get and residue out of the system.

 

[zzyzzx]

 

[mrbreezeet1]

View attachment 248706

Well funny man I'm not going to replace it if it's working.
I will check it first.
Are Moto rad thermostats junk?

 

[mrbreezeet1]

This video should help you with the thermostat replacement procedure:

Watching it now! Thank you.

 

[zzyzzx]

Are Moto rad thermostats junk?

Yes.

 

[mrbreezeet1]

Unfortunately stant was bought out by motorad which made mediocre products. Go for the "premium line" as they are much beefier and better built. I'd Also flush the coolant to get and residue out of the system.

Sounds good, thanks.
Yeah I think that's what I got this is it here, is this what you talking about?
(I would imagine it is it says premium)
Stant Superstat Premium Thermostat, Stainless Steel https://a.co/d/hYdmwiS

 

[mrbreezeet1]

Yes.

Good to know, thanks.

 

[mrbreezeet1]

This video should help you with the thermostat replacement procedure:

Wow that's Buick has a lot more stuff you got to take off it looks like than mine does..!