Long term usage would not be a good idea, as it likely is affecting gas mileage, as well as if the gauges are blanked out, how can you monitor the temperature in case of an overheat?

I drove mine for a few weeks till I did a re and re on the thermostat - no harm done, and I didn't monitor the gas mileage.

I'd get it changed at first convenience, and this time stick with the GM thermostat, which apparently has been redesigned to alleviate the problem.

A few parts have been redesigned by GM over the years - the thermostat, and the Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valves (3 versions so far) come to mind. The aftermarket companies may not keep up to the changes made by GM, so IMO you definitely take your chances with some aftermarket items.

Yes. Yes.

Thanks for the replies!

What would be the recommended part number for the 2007 LT 2.4L?

ACDelco 12T103D
ACDelco 131-158 (seems to be newer)

Thx

go with the ACDelco 131-158 , it's the newer one for the HHR 2.2 or 2.4 litre.

your P0128 code keeps tripping because the thermostat will not open with in the time frame parameters the ECM requires

Thanks, got it replaced and cleared the code with Torque app.

http://s7.postimg.org/syy35y7hj/20150309_192326.jpg

I hope you don't need an emissions test soon. You will have to wait until all of the OBD monitors complete. Everything gets set to 0 when you clear a code.

P0128 would clear itself as soon as you warmed the car up.

...and another fat wad of cash saved. Thanks for this thread!
 

So the famous --- coolant reading brought me here. The problem was intermittent all while the engine was taking a bit longer to warm up. Once the digital readout would come back it would only get up to about 177 degrees.

I waited until a nice Saturday morning and I used an 18" extension that made it super easy. The hardest part was loosening the petkawk. For reference my mileage is at 119,000.

I used ramps because my ride height is too low to slip in a drain tank underneath. I think that allowed for more drainage as my system took over a gallon of coolant to fill.

I'll take $50 v.s. $350 any day if all I have to do is pull a couple bolts and fondle a petkawk. :clappy:

Another happy customer!! Make sure you only handle that petkawk with your hand, never a wrench or pliers!!!

So. I guess "petkawk" should be the official spelling now for this site. :lol:

Lord knows, we don't want to upset the PC, vulgarity, obscenity or morals police.

So it is written so it shall be done!
Sorry I had the watch The Ten Commandments the other night!