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[Duke01]

Ive just been looking at the excellent maintenance guide,

It looks like the thermostat and the pipe housing are replaced as one?
Could anyone confirm this?

Is it best to replace the link pipe aswell?

[Nick W]

You can buy the thermostat without the housing. But the cost saving isn't worth the potential hassle of finding your housing is in very poor condition. Be aware that the GM changed the housing slightly, and you might need to replace the bolts or add some extra spacers to accommodate the thinner/thicker flange.


Similarly, it's possible to do the job without replacing the transfer tube. But that relies on being able to separate the tube and housing without damaging the tube. I know it's possible because it's how I did mine. But it wasn't easy or an efficient use of time, so I wouldn't do it again. That's even allowing for the increased cost and poor availability of a new tube.

[Duke01]

Ok that's great, thanks.
I was just about to look in to the availability of the transfer pipe...
I figured it's not an easy one to find.

[Doctor Gollum]

Parts are available, but be prepared to search, and pay, for them

[JamesV6CDX]

It's worth a go to try and get the transfer tube loose. I tend to keep the stat housing bolted to the block, undo the b@stard bold and remove the lifting eye, etc.... and slowly work the tube back and forth a little bit using a pair of good, large mole grips, with a thick towel around the tube.

I'd estimate my rate of success of saving the tube, at between 60% / 70%. There is nothing to loose. You can also apply a bit of heat.

Half an hours work can easily save you £50+.

In summary.... if it's a project that's off the road anyway, have a go at separating it. If it's a daily driver which you rely on.... get the replacement tube in advance in case it breaks on removal

Also, don't bother trying to put a new stat in the old housing. The houses vary in flange sizes etc and I once fitted a new stat to an old housing, and it wouldn't open. Created a whole load of work for the sake of saving less than a small round of drinks

[Doctor Gollum]

Where do you drink

A thermostat costs less than a pint in some of the places I get to

[Andy B]

...

A thermostat costs less than a pint in some of the places I get to

but when a part is as inaccessible as a V6 'stat, then surely you want to spend a little more on it.

[Doctor Gollum]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334898442020 a not unreasonable £28.

And if you manage to get the transfer pipe out in one piece, be sure to replace the two o rings on it and dotbe tempted to leave any pieces out when refitting the bastid bolt.

It may be a faff, but it's less annoying than losing all your coolant as you accelerate onto a motorway.

[Duke01]

Cheers.
Thermostat on its way. Anyone have a picture of the transfer pipe? I havent started the job yet so no idea what im searching for.

[YZ250]

Cheers.
Thermostat on its way. Anyone have a picture of the transfer pipe? I havent started the job yet so no idea what im searching for.

Photo No.1 in this link shows the coolant pipe, with the hose removed.    Once the plenum is off it will become obvious, as it’s connected to the thermostat housing. 

https://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=90552.0

[Duke01]

So I'm down to the pipe and thermostat, but rain has stopped play.
Seeing as its going to be on hold till saturday, i may aswell get a new pipe.
Thing is, I cant seem to find one, can anyone point me in the right direction?

[Doctor Gollum]

https://www.saabusaparts.com/product-p/90411629.htm

[Duke01]

Thermostat in, Managed to save the pipe in the end.
Thanks for all the advice.