so i am changing the thermostat and that lower bolt to the left has no room to work because of the starter. a number 10 socket has no clearance. i can get it on, but i cant attach the wrench. i have a wrench that ratchets, but that has no clearance to get over it.
im thinking a flat angled socket or something like that. any other people have issues? any ideas?
Pull the starter off? Its only two bolts.
its the bracket holding in the starter. if i move the starter, it wont help
this thread has the same issue and but no real solution
http://forums.g2ic.com/showthread.php?109061-Help-replacing-thermostat!&highlight=thermostat
I’ve never had an issue removing that w/ the starter in place. When you say you can’t get a 10mm socket on there, I’m assuming that you mean the 10mm socket fits over the bolt head, but that you can’t get the socket into place when it’s on the ratchet? Try using one or a combination of 3", 6", 9" extensions and short and deep 10mm sockets. Some combination of those should give you the length you need to get your ratchet far enough out to give you clearance to turn the ratchet handle. Obviously it’s also easier if your intake tube is out of the way.
Do what Colin said.
I took off my CAI and used an extension to get to the bolts on mine. Be prepared for any excess coolant. If I remember correctly, I used a short 10mm with a 6" extension :think:
i moved the intake and i drained the coolant before i started yesterday. my car is filled with water instead today. when i do it today i will get coolant have in 50/50. after work i will give it another shot.
the socket does fit directly over the bolt and i even have a small socket set that did too. but yes, with the ratchet on the socket it will not get in place. im going to try a regular wrench tonight. i need to borrow one.
Using a wrench is going to be a pain in your ass, that is if you can even get it to work. You want to use a socket, then just try to get the length right to position the ratchet handle in a position where you can turn it.
^^^ what colin said is true, such a pain with a wrench, even if it’s a gear wrench, but are you trying to remove it with the hose still attached? that will make it more difficult, just drain the coolant and remove the hose, you should have no problem with the socket and extension after that
craftsman makes ratcheting wrenches and sockets that fit INSIDE the ratcheting end of the wrench, it makes a super low profile socket+ ratchet and you will be able to get to it that way, if for some reason you cant use extensions like its been mentioned.
http://s7.sears.com/is/image/Sears/00987637000 like that
the ten mm setup is no more than 3/4 inches thick, smaller than most shallow 10mm sockets
I simply used a 10mm socket with a swivel end. Just be ultra careful not to drop that bolt.
There were only 2 bolts actually holding the thermostat housing on if I remember right.
Since you are taking the time to do this dont buy a crappy off brand thermostat. Buy genuine Honda or you might regret it. And make sure you put the housing gasket around the thermostat. There are also a couple notches that will orient it correctly.
Ok. Job done and good to go.
That’s my fault for not just having a regular little wrench. I got it. and my issue was I just got this car and it wasn’t heating up for a long time. basically running cold with thermostat stuck open. When I ripped it out the gaskets was toast and the thermo was stuck in there. had to rip it out.
Thanks guys