What’s the easiest way to get to the housing bolts?
thr top one is not bad at all to get to, but I cannot seem to be able to reach the lower bolt without removing the whole fuse box, so I would be able to move the wiring harness out of the way to get to it….
I’d like to be able to change the thermostat without going through all that…. But if that’s the only way to do it, then I guess I have no choice…
any suggestions/ ideas??

It’s awfully difficult to move the harness out of the way and reach the other bolt with socket at the same time with just 2 hands….

 

I use a long 1/4 drive extension and a 10 mm shallow socket, push the wire harness over to the left in your photo. You should get enough clearance for the socket

 

Thank you for a quick reply!
I will try that when I get the time to do the little project.

the reason why I wanted to change the thermostat is that I have the ZZP oversized radiator that I want to install. Living in AZ, I figured it’s like a preventive maintenance before we start seeing 100+F summer heat here. (It was 100+ (and many 110+!!) for like 30 days straight last year….)
and while ill be draining the coolant, I thought its a good time to take care of the thermostat at the same time.

Thanks again for an advice. 🙇

 

I had to loosen the big hose clamp to get better access to one of the bolts, but did not have to remove the hose. Put some electrical tape on your universal joint, so you can better control where the socket is going.

 

Yes, I did realize the hose clamp is in the way to get to the bolt….
it will be a pain in the ass to move the clamp since it’s such a tight area with no room for anything!!

What tool did you use to squeeze the clamp?
vise grip??

 

I had already changed to worm gear clamps when I installed the new engine. There are pliers designed for this sort of thing. I don't have them and haven't used them. I'm sure someone here can recommend a good set.

Wish I could be of more help.

 

I used a wobbly socket instead of a universal.
Use ONLY A REAL ACDELCO 131-158 OR DON'T CHANGE IT.

 

These are great for spring clamps

 

This one looks pretty good too.

 

Yes those would be good too!