Thermostat replacement

Thermostat replacement Removal Procedure: 1.Remove the air cleaner and duct assembly. 2.Drain the coolant until the coolant level is below the thermostat. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System . 3.Remove the crossover exhaust pipe. 4.Remove the radiator hose from the thermostat housing 5.Remove the thermostat housing bolts and clean any sealer from the bolt threads. 6.Remove the thermostat housing and gasket. 7.Remove the thermostat. 8.Clean the mating surfaces. Installation Procedure: 1.Install the thermostat. 2.Install the thermostat housing and gasket. 3.Install RTV sealer, GM P/N 1052366 or the equivalent, to the thermostat housing bolt threads. . 4.Install he thermostat housing bolts. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft). 5.Install the radiator hose to the thermostat housing. 6.Install the crossover exhaust pipe 7.Install the air cleaner and duct assembly. 8.Fill the cooling system. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System . 9.Inspect the cooling system for leaks. Repair as necessary.

2CarPros - Thank you so much, instructions are outstanding for 2002 Chevy Venture.
I have not been under a hood for thirty years, so this was quite an experience, which I really did enjoy even though frustrating at times .
It should be noted that in the diagrams provided it does not mention the "coolant by-pass pipe" that needs to be Step number 3 for removal so the heat shield can be easily removed.
Also, while it is necessary to remove the heat shield you do not have to remove the cross-over exhaust. Removing the heat shield allows you just enough room to get a 13mm box/open end wrench, not socket, on the bottom screw of the thermostat housing which is slotted for loosing/removal and then to easily maneuver the thermostat out in order to replace it. Your advice saved me over $300.00. I hope my added information adds benefit to those who tackling this type of project. Again, thank you so much.

There is a tool called a thermostat wrench it is for the 3100 and the 3400 Chevrolet. It makes it to where you do not have to remove the cross over pipe.