whopper

10 gallons? No, just use it for the last flush - half of which will end up on the ground.

whopper

I reused mine with no problems. Just make sure to clean the thermostat housing where the hose attaches.

fastsuv

I checked our local NAPA auto parts stores and they show 2 Stant thermostats, an "OE Type" and an "OE Exact type". The difference is $27 vs $29.

Rock Auto also shows the two different Stant thermostats.

Anyone know what the difference is?

Steve

donbrew

$2.00

fastsuv

OK, I guess I should have been more specific about which difference I meant.

After reading more on the Stant site, the "OE-Exact" model is an exact copy of the original one. The "OE-Fit" model fits and works but doesn't look like the original.

Both would work, I don't know of any advantage to having it look exactly like the original. Advance Auto has a thermostat for $21 that I'll probably buy.

Steve

donbrew

Some of them do not have the center rubber gasket (the one that fails), I do not know which one that is. The one currently in my car does not have it, the 2 used ones in my toolbox do have it.

fastsuv

Well, yesterday I replaced the thermostat and changed the coolant.

The drain plug was stuck. I had to make a tool out of polycarbonate to hold all 4 flaps on the drain plug so I could twist with more force without breaking it. Removing the two plastic panels underneath the right front corner of the car allowed easy access to the drain plug from underneath.

I had to flush 5 times with water (allowing the engine to reach operating temp each time) before the coolant was finally fairly clear.

The thermostat failure can be seen in the following pictures:





As you can see, the inside rubber seal was broken up and parts were hanging loose. This caused it to not close all the way.

Steve

donbrew

There is a tool made for the radiator drain, and new drainsC's are cheap. I got both from Advance mail order anyway, not sure about in-store.