Changing thermostat

[nordin450]

Hi,
Please can someone with experience of changing thermostat give me hints to the preparation and process? (chim 450, -98 serp.)

Apart from general advice, more specifically;
. In order to get to things properly, what do I need to remove before opening up the housing. (believe dist. cap is a obvious?)
. Should I remove any coolant before starting this job or is it similar to changing otter switch? (Just top up the coolant that was lost).
. Should I ask a friend to assist e.g. do I need four hands?
. Do I need to lift the car up to gain under-car access?

Many thanks for any advice.

[GreenV8S]

All done from the top, all straightforward, you'll need a gasket and some sealant as well as the stat, make sure the stat is the correct rating, fitted the right way round (you'd be surprised!) with the bleed at the top, make sure it is centered before you tighten the housing otherwise you'll break something, you'll need to bleed engine and rad afterwards.

[nordin450]

Thank for the details. Before I start this I just want to confirm I actully know where the thermostat housing is.

I just follow the pipe from the top of the swirl tank to the engine?

[Andy11]

yep you've got it, I had to remove the alternator to put it back though.