A thermostat change is relatively easy. Little things like corrosion or
whatever can make a project difficult. Fasteners can snap or strip,
sometimes things are rusted on. With a little experience you will learn how
to get around stuff like that.
When removing the thermostat housing I found that pulling the hoses off,
even with the clmpas fully loose is next to impossible since the rubebr hose
seems to bond itself. I would unbolt the thermostat housing, and with a
large screwdriver gentle prying managed to tear the RTV gasket and open it
up. After that, I simply twisted and pulled on the coolant hose till it came
off.
You have to get a little creative to get around problems because things
rarely go your way when working on a car that has been neglected. Knowing
how much brute force to apply to something to get it break loose comes with
experience too. Too much and you will damage it, treat it like a pansy and
you will never get it off.
I'd attempt the thermostat project again this weekend and let us know how it
goes. Ask the list members for help along the way if you get stuck, I'm sure
you will get some good advice.
Get yourself a factory service manual, I can't say enough about that.
I would replace all of the hoses you can get to if the coolant lines are
stiff and not pliable. They will eventually crack and fail on you at the
worst time. While you are at it, do a rad flush.
One more thing, ask LOTS of questions.
Otherwise you will screw up more than William "Magic-fingers" Glenn.
Ken
94' Sentra E
GA16DE
