GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement LY7

Removal Procedure

  1. Partially drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  2. Important: Do NOT separate the upper and lower intake manifolds.

  3. Remove the upper intake manifold with the lower intake manifold. Refer to Lower Intake Manifold Replacement .
  4. Disconnect the surge tank hose from the thermostat.

  5. Object Number: 1538811  Size: SH
  6. Remove the coolant pipe/thermostat housing bolt (1).
  7. Remove the coolant pipe bolt (3).
  8. Remove the coolant inlet pipe from the thermostat housing.
  9. Remove and discard the coolant pipe O-ring seal (2).

  10. Object Number: 1303007  Size: SH
  11. Remove the thermostat bolts.
  12. Remove the thermostat and discard the thermostat seal.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1303007  Size: SH
  1. Install the thermostat with a NEW thermostat seal.
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  3. Install the thermostat bolts.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the thermostat bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).


    Object Number: 1538811  Size: SH
  5. Install the coolant pipe, NEW seal (2), and fasteners (1 and 3). Refer to Radiator Outlet Pipe Replacement .
  6. Install the surge tank hose to the thermostat.
  7. Install the upper intake manifold with the lower intake manifold. Refer to Lower Intake Manifold Replacement .
  8. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .

Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement LS4

Special Tools

J 38185 Hose Clamp Pliers

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 1524229  Size: SH
  1. Remove the radiator air lower baffle and deflector. Refer to Radiator Air Lower Baffle and Deflector Replacement .
  2. Reposition the radiator inlet hose. Refer to Radiator Inlet Hose Replacement .
  3. Partially drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  4. Use the J 38185 in order to reposition the hose clamp from the water outlet housing.
  5. Remove the radiator inlet hose from the water outlet housing.

  6. Object Number: 1411896  Size: SH
  7. Remove the water outlet housing bolts (302).
  8. Remove the water outlet housing (303) and O-ring seal (304).
  9. Remove the thermostat (305).
  10. Clean and inspect the water outlet housing O-ring seal mating surfaces.

Installation Procedure

Notice: DO NOT use cooling system seal tabs, or similar compounds, unless otherwise instructed. The use of cooling system seal tabs, or similar compounds, may restrict coolant flow through the passages of the cooling system or the engine components. Restricted coolant flow may cause engine overheating and/or damage to the cooling system or the engine components/assembly.


    Object Number: 1411896  Size: SH
  1. Install the thermostat (305).
  2. Install the O-ring seal (304) and water outlet housing (303).
  3. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  4. Install the water outlet housing bolts (302).
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1524229  Size: SH
  6. Install the radiator inlet hose to the water outlet housing.
  7. Use the J 38185 in order to reposition and install the hose clamp to the water outlet housing.
  8. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  9. Install the radiator inlet hose. Refer to Radiator Inlet Hose Replacement .
  10. Install the radiator air lower baffle and deflector. Refer to Radiator Air Lower Baffle and Deflector Replacement .

Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement RPOs L26/L32

Tools Required

J 38185 Hose Clamp Pliers

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 308970  Size: SH
  1. Remove the fuel injector sight shield. Refer to Fuel Injector Sight Shield Replacement .
  2. Partially drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  3. Use the J 38185 in order to reposition the hose clamp from the water outlet housing.
  4. Remove the radiator inlet hose from the water outlet housing.

  5. Object Number: 153572  Size: SH
  6. Reposition the wiring harness from the water outlet housing stud.
  7. Remove the water outlet housing bolt and the stud.
  8. Remove the water outlet housing and the gasket.
  9. Remove the thermostat.
  10. Clean and Inspect the water outlet housing gasket mating surfaces.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 153572  Size: SH
  1. Install the thermostat.
  2. Install the gasket and the water outlet housing.
  3. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  4. Install the water outlet housing bolt and the stud to the water outlet housing.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt and the stud to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

  6. Install the wiring harness to the water outlet housing stud.

  7. Object Number: 308970  Size: SH
  8. Install the radiator inlet hose to the water outlet housing.
  9. Use the J 38185 in order to reposition and install the hose clamp to the water outlet housing.
  10. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  11. Install the fuel injector sight shield. Refer to Fuel Injector Sight Shield Replacement .