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Thermostat replacement replacement instructions please?

Tiny
ANONYMOUS
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 BUICK CENTURY
  • 150,000 MILES
How to replace the thermostat in the 3100 V-6 engine?
Saturday, December 15th, 2012 AT 7:33 PM

24 Replies

Tiny
FREEMBA
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,152 POSTS
Here is a guide to help you step by step with instructions in the diagrams below to show you how on your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

This video shows the job being done on a similar car but the process is the same.

https://youtu.be/jhXBAtcutQo

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
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Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 AT 6:53 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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I find it much easier to remove the throttle body. When you do this, it is much easier to get to the housing bolts

Roy
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Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 AT 6:53 PM
Tiny
CJM6082
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  • 1 POST
  • 2002 BUICK CENTURY
Where can I find some Diagrams of a 2002 Buick Century Custom (V-6 Automatic) to help me switch the Thermostat out?
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 12:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ZACKMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,202 POSTS
Here is a guide that will show you what you are in for when doing the job.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

There are diagrams to show you wehat it like on your car there is more (below)


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/55316_02centurytherm_1.jpg



View from the other side


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/55316_02centurytherm_2.jpg



Check out the diagrams (Below)

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 12:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HOUSEOHUFF
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  • 2002 BUICK CENTURY
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
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Where is the thermostat on a 2002 buick century
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 12:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,896 POSTS
Follow the upper radiator hose to the engine. It will lead you to the thermostat housing. Remove the housing and the T-stat is there. NOTE: Before doing the work, disconnect the battery and drain the coolant.

Here is a picture of it
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 12:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BACK YARD MECHANIC2
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  • 2002 BUICK CENTURY
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
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I own a well-maintained 2003 Buick Century. Recently, the low coolant light came on. Flluid levels revealed no proplems. I then had my oil changed and the light came on intermittantly, but no signs of overheating, fluid leaks, etc. Last night the engine temp light came on. Guage was nearly pegged, but not completely. I revved up the engine and the engine immediately returned to normal temp, but the heater blew cool air. Could this be a thermostat problem, and if so, where is it located. I can't find it on top of the radiator or at the base of the water pump.
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 12:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
I'd start with a stat.
The low coolant light is more likely a bad sensor level problem.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_1a_1.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_1b_1.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_1c_1.jpg

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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 12:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SHELBYGT08
  • MEMBER
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  • 2001 BUICK CENTURY
  • 3.1L
  • 6 CYL
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I Bought an AC Delco thermostat for my car. The factory thermostat appears to have a built-in factory o-ring that’s actually part of the thermostat. If I am correct I should not need a paper gasket or any sealant when I install this thermostat correct? Thanks
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 12:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Are you talking about the rubber o-ring around the thermostat itself (pictured) or are you talking about the seal for the housing itself?

Either way, if it has a rubber o-ring then you do not need another gasket.
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 12:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SHERRY CARPENTER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 BUICK CENTURY
  • 20,000 MILES
How to replace thermostat 3100 engine
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 12:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
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See pics then pretty much reverse removal follow cooing system bleeding procedure after install
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 12:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
NICOLE09_2003
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  • 1998 BUICK CENTURY
  • 6 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 16,000 MILES
I need to know where to find the thermostat and how to replace it?
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 12:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Here is a guide to help you see what you are in for when doing the job and the diagrams below will show you the location:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens. Cheers
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 12:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TJDPSR
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  • 1994 BUICK CENTURY
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
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I have locate where the thermostat goes, but I have noticed it is not in a very friendly place to get to, is there a trick or special way to get to this thermostat without knocking the hide off of your knuckles? Also, is there supposed to be a gasket with the new thermostat or is it the rubber gasket attached to it the only one?

Thanks in advance.

Tracy
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JALOPYPAPA
  • MEMBER
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Hard indeed to get to without removing the throttle body (it needed a good cleaning, anyway, right?). The throttle body will need a new gasket and sealant for the coolant connection. The thermostat needs only the rubber edge seal, I think. Be sure to place it right side up.
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JORE8888
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1993 BUICK CENTURY
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
How do you remove a thermostat from a 1993 Buick Century 3.3 Do I need to remove the throttle body?
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,396 POSTS
Hello,

Here is a guide that will show you what you are in for when doing the job.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

Here is more information BELOW

Disconnect battery negative cable.
If necessary, remove air cleaner assembly.
With engine cool, drain engine coolant below thermostat level. Never open cooling system with engine hot.
Disconnect radiator hose from thermostat housing.
Remove thermostat housing retaining bolts, then the housing, gasket and thermostat.

Check out the diagrams (Below) both 4 and 6 cylinder engines.

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers, Ken
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SHURLA
  • MEMBER
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  • 1992 BUICK CENTURY
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
Location of thermostat 3300
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Refer to Fig. 16 when performing the following procedure.
1. Disconnect battery negative cable.
2. If necessary, remove air cleaner assembly.
3. With engine cool, drain engine coolant below thermostat level. Never open cooling system with engine hot.
4. Disconnect radiator hose from thermostat housing.
5. Remove thermostat housing retaining bolts, then the housing, gasket and thermostat.
6. Reverse procedure to install noting the following:
a. Ensure thermostat gasket area is thoroughly clean.
B. Install thermostat with new gasket.
C. Apply a suitable sealer to thermostat housing retaining bolts. Install and torque bolts to 20 ft. Lbs.
D. Refill and bleed cooling system as necessary.

See the diagram below
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)

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