GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement 3800 V6 L36

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 38185 Hose Clamp Pliers

  1. Remove the fuel injector sight shield. Refer to Fuel Injector Sight Shield Replacement in Engine Mechanical.
  2. Remove the throttle body air inlet duct. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement in Engine Controls .
  3. Partially drain the engine coolant from the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .

  4. Object Number: 308970  Size: SH
  5. Use the J 38185 in order to remove the radiator hose clamp from the water outlet housing.
  6. Disconnect the radiator hose from the water outlet housing.

  7. Object Number: 153572  Size: SH
  8. Remove the water outlet housing bolts.
  9. Remove the water outlet housing and gasket.
  10. Remove the thermostat.
  11. Inspect and clean the mating surfaces.
  12. • Water outlet housing
    • Lower intake manifold

Installation Procedure

Tools Required

J 38185 Hose Clamp Pliers

NOTICE: When adding coolant, it is important that you use GM Goodwrench DEX-COOL® or HAVOLINE® DEX-COOL® coolant. If Coolant other than DEX-COOL® or HAVOLINE® DEX-COOL® is added to the system the engine coolant will require change sooner; at 50 000 km (30,000 mi) or 24 months.


    Object Number: 153572  Size: SH
  1. Install the thermostat.
  2. Install the gasket and water outlet housing.
  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 with RTV Sealer GM P/N 1052366 or equivalent.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the water outlet housing bolts to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).


    Object Number: 308970  Size: SH
  6. Connect the radiator hose to the water outlet housing.
  7. Use theJ 38185 in order to install the radiator hose clamp to the water outlet housing.
  8. Fill the cooling system with engine coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  9. Install the throttle body air inlet duct. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement in Engine Controls.
  10. Install the fuel injector sight shield. Refer to Fuel Injector Sight Shield Replacement in Engine Mechanical.
  11. Inspect for leaks.

Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement 3.5L V6 LX5

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 38185 Hose Clamp Pliers


    Object Number: 289166  Size: SH
  1. Partially drain the engine coolant from the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  2. Use theJ 38185 in order to remove the radiator hose clamp to the water inlet housing.
  3. Disconnect the radiator hose from the water inlet housing.

  4. Object Number: 289181  Size: SH
  5. Remove the heater hose clamp from the water inlet housing using the J 38185 .
  6. Disconnect the heater hose from the water inlet housing.

  7. Object Number: 289178  Size: SH
  8. Remove the surge tank inlet hose clamp from the water inlet housing using the J 38185 .
  9. Disconnect the surge tank inlet hose from the water inlet housing.

  10. Object Number: 263961  Size: SH
  11. Remove the water inlet housing bolts.
  12. Remove the water inlet housing.
  13. Inspect and clean the mating surfaces for the following components:
  14. Replace inlet housing and thermostat as an assembly.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 263961  Size: SH

    NOTICE: When adding coolant, it is important that you use GM Goodwrench DEX-COOL® or HAVOLINE® DEX-COOL® coolant. If Coolant other than DEX-COOL® or HAVOLINE® DEX-COOL® is added to the system the engine coolant will require change sooner; at 50 000 km (30,000 mi) or 24 months.

  1. Install the water inlet housing and thermostat assembly.
  2. 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.

  3. Install the water housing bolts with RTV Sealer GM P/N 1052366 or equivalent.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the water inlet housing bolts to 9 N·m (80 lb in).


    Object Number: 289178  Size: SH
  5. Connect the surge tank inlet hose to the water inlet housing.
  6. Use theJ 38185 in order to install the surge tank hose clamp to the water inlet housing.

  7. Object Number: 289181  Size: SH
  8. Connect the heater hose to the water inlet housing.

  9. Object Number: 289166  Size: SH
  10. Use theJ 38185 in order to install the heater hose clamp to the water inlet housing.
  11. Connect the radiator hose to the water inlet housing.
  12. Use theJ 38185 in order to install the radiator hose clamp to the water inlet housing.
  13. Fill the cooling system with engine coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  14. Inspect for leaks.