Hi, my 91 trans am has been running hot lately, around the 220 degree mark... and it never ran that hot b4. I believe it to be the thermostat (says autozone) and i want to change it... it seems the throttle body is sort of in the way, and its hard to get to the 2 bolts to change it... i was wondering exactly what has to be done to change out and put a new thermostat in...? thx.

 

I did this a few months ago on my '92 Formula L98. One bolt, on the outside, was accessible with a socket or wrench. For the other, on the inside, it was a royal PITA. I ended up using a wrench (can't recall what kind) and just had to turn the bolt a tiny bit each time to get it out. Better idea would be to pull the throttle body to gain access, but I didn't want to do that. Other than the radiator hose, and maybe the air ducting, I don't think I disconnected anything.

 

A box wrench, a ratcheting box wrench, or using a knuckle adapter should all get you in tight spots like that. Try pulling off the rubber boot on the throttle body, it clears up some space. Also, the TB is only 4 bolts- takes a minute to get off.

 

Buy a set of gear-wrenches, makes it a 5 min job, and makes sparkk plug changes a 30 min job with all accessories. A must have for all v8 third gens.

 

u got a link or name of a place where i can buy these gear wrenches? and the sizes i need for 305 V-8 in 91 trans am?..

 

20 bucks down the street at my shop, it's like doing your own car wash and oil change. I could do this myself but not worth my time and manicure. They took care of it in ten mins for me and I didn't have to mess up my nails or by the tools on this one. Plus you have to be very careful not to scratch the gasket because it will leak. Either way it should fix it, good luck! ; )

 

220* isnt very hot for these cars... as the fans dont turn on til 238*...

why drag up this old post?

 

my gauge runs just a lil over 220 maybe 235 and then the fans turn on but it still only drops to 220 and i changed my theromstat bout 2yrs ago and water pump

 

MY ENGINE never exceeds 170

 

Horsepower?

 

Id make note of when your fan is coming on and goin off.
most of the time its the biggest factor in the loop there.

180-195 is a good temp range to run.
I do not like anything I own to run over 200.

But fan controls allot of that.

My
V6 runs 185-190 with no fan.[only needs it if I sit still for a while, 4-5 mins]
V8 runs a tad higher but has a manual fan running all the time.

But never over 200, in the case of the V6 stock temp is 220 but over 200 makes it run like a slug. Red line for it don't start till 260

 

Are you not the one with the L03 lol?