Replace Thermostat 89 GMC Rally - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

vanblah · 08-19-2009, 07:14 AM

I am trying to replace the thermostat (radiator flush, block sealer) on an 89 GMC Rally Van.

One of the nuts came off just fine, in fact the post came out too. The other side is a different matter. There are some braces holding other parts on the same post. One brace moved out of the way pretty easily once I got the top nut off; it was bracing the oil dipstick tube. The other brace is welded to another part that I haven't identified. I don't think removing the part will work anyway because the brace is welded to some kind of panel that the part itself is bolted to. The panel is welded as well. I've tried prying the brace up off the post but it hardly budges.

Suggestions?

Pictures:

QuasiMondo · 08-19-2009, 04:07 PM

How much force are you using to pry it? It doesn't look like it should be that difficult to bend, unless it's made out of adamantium or something. I think you're having a difficult time about it because it may be catching against the threads on the thermostat housing.

vanblah · 08-19-2009, 05:36 PM

Wouldn't bend. But you're right that the threads were making it difficult. It's about a 1/2" piece of steel.

Ultimately, I ended up removing the belt tensioner--which is what the brace is connected to. It wasn't welded either, it just had so much gunk on it that it looked welded.

I just finished up with flushing the radiator. I have to take the whole thing back apart to put the new thermostat in. Unbelievable how difficult it is to replace such a simple part.

I guess this thread can be closed now; unless people want to talk about it.

Thanks for you help.

08-19-2009, 07:14 AM	#1 (permalink)
vanblah Junkie	Replace Thermostat 89 GMC Rally I am trying to replace the thermostat (radiator flush, block sealer) on an 89 GMC Rally Van. One of the nuts came off just fine, in fact the post came out too. The other side is a different matter. There are some braces holding other parts on the same post. One brace moved out of the way pretty easily once I got the top nut off; it was bracing the oil dipstick tube. The other brace is welded to another part that I haven't identified. I don't think removing the part will work anyway because the brace is welded to some kind of panel that the part itself is bolted to. The panel is welded as well. I've tried prying the brace up off the post but it hardly budges. Suggestions? Pictures:

08-19-2009, 04:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
QuasiMondo Wise-ass Latino Location: Pretoria (Tshwane), RSA	How much force are you using to pry it? It doesn't look like it should be that difficult to bend, unless it's made out of adamantium or something. I think you're having a difficult time about it because it may be catching against the threads on the thermostat housing. __________________ Cameron originally envisioned the Terminator as a small, unremarkable man, giving it the ability to blend in more easily. As a result, his first choice for the part was Lance Henriksen. O. J. Simpson was on the shortlist but Cameron did not think that such a nice guy could be a ruthless killer. -From the Collector's Edition DVD of The Terminator

08-19-2009, 05:36 PM	#3 (permalink)
vanblah Junkie	Wouldn't bend. But you're right that the threads were making it difficult. It's about a 1/2" piece of steel. Ultimately, I ended up removing the belt tensioner--which is what the brace is connected to. It wasn't welded either, it just had so much gunk on it that it looked welded. I just finished up with flushing the radiator. I have to take the whole thing back apart to put the new thermostat in. Unbelievable how difficult it is to replace such a simple part. I guess this thread can be closed now; unless people want to talk about it. Thanks for you help.