ok.. i have a '89 IROC with the LB9... 80k miles


i figured i would replace the thermostat since i'm sure it has never been done before...

but anyway... i'm trying to remove the bolts for the housing, and they won't budge...
i sprayed some penetrating lube on them and let them sit for a while and then came back and got the one on the back side to move a little but it's taking a lot of torque to get it to move... i feel like i'm going to break the bolt off


anybody else ever had this problem? i've replaced stats before on my old z28 and brothers transam without problems

does it sound like the bolts are just frozen into the intake? it might just be time for a new intake if that's the case

thx for the help

 

I say keep using the penetrating oil!

I popped off the head of a bolt in the intake of my '84 Trans Am replacing the stat. I ended up having to drill out a new hole and tap it for a new screw. DEFINATELY not my idea of fun considering the stat replacement shouldn't take that long.

 

Try using "PB Blaster" penetrating spray if you haven't already.

 

thx for the replies guys.....

i ended up just spraying some more penetrating lube on there and getting out my 2' homemade breaker bar

it worked.. didn't break the bolt... so i guess i don't have an excuse to buy a kickass intake

i cleaned the bolts and holes as good as i could and antisiezed them to death