Don wrote:While I'm at it...anybody ever have any of the red stuff apear on yer intake manifold right under the thermostat housing??
I was doing a little house keeping and noticed a small amount there, and wondered if it had eaten through already....hahaha...
I've had some there several times
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
a couple times it was the gasket, the other times were my fault.
First check the thermostat housing bolts to make sure they are snug (don't over torque! they are threaded into aluminum!). Our thermostat uses a channel o-ring to seal, if it is seaping replace the seal. It will cost about $5 at your GM dealer, or $2 at the local auto parts.
Do the repairs with the engine cold. Relieve the pressure by opening the cap, then close it. Lift the heater hose from the plastic bracket on the front bolt and pull the bracket off the stud. Remove the top of the TB intake and using a 10mm socket or wrench take the throttle cable bracket loose. You will need it removed for clearance to raise the housing. Then using a 13mm deep socket (I use a 1/4" drive set) take out the two bolts/studs lift up the housing and remove the thermostat. replace the gasket that fits around the edge of the stat.
Now when you are re-installing the stat pay close attention to make sure that it is centered. The pressure relief bypass (that spring loaded washer "thingy") tends to lift a little and can cause it to go off center sometimes.
Push the housing down while you start and tighten the bolts.
Reassemble everything, then make sure that the coolant recovery tank is full to the hot mark and fill what you can in the radiator.
You should have lost only about a quart of coolant in the swap so, squeeze the upper radiator hose with both hands to purge the air back to the tank, do this several times until you hear only coolant be pushed to the tank . Make sure to refill the recovery tank to the hot mark. You're done!
Anyone know if you drain the red and put in the green if it will void the warranty???
I suppose that depends on your dealership.
If you had a problem ,and the failure was directly related to the change in coolant, then they could deny the claim. I'm betting that if you are on good terms with them , there would be no problems.