Thermostat?

Remove and installation
1. Note the radio security code and station presets.

2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

3. Drain the engine coolant into a sealable container.

4. Remove the fasteners from the thermostat housing and remove the thermostat.

To install:

5. Install the thermostat using a new seal. If the thermostat has a small bleed hole, make sure the bleed hole is on the top.

6. Apply an anti-seize compound to the threads of the fasteners.

7. Reassemble in the reverse order of disassembly.

8. Set the heater to the full hot position.

9. Locate the coolant bleed valve near the thermostat housing and open the valve 1 / 2 a turn.

10. Top off the cooling system and overflow reservoir with a 50/50 mixture of a recommended antifreeze and water solution. and bleed the system to remove any air pockets as necessary. Simultaneously squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses to help push any captured air pockets out of the system.

11. Inspect all coolant hoses and fittings to make sure they are properly installed and if previously opened, close the bleed valve.

12. Connect the negative battery cable.

13. Install the radiator cap loosely and start the engine. Allow the engine to run until the cooling fan has cycled two times, then turn the engine off and top off the cooling system as necessary.

14. Install the radiator cap and inspect for leaks.

15. Enter the radio security code.

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

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens.

Engine runs hotter. Helps emissions levels but more heat is harder on engine/cooling system parts. I would stick with what you got.

That's what I meant. You got 180 is fine.

Yes, they are neded to keep the engine at the optimum temp for power and emissions. It is located where the lower rad hose connects to the engine. When you purchase the new one, ask for the gasket as well to prevent any leaks

My pleasure

Not clear on what the problem is. If the head is broken off and the other bolt is removed, of course you can lift the housing off. If part of the remaining bolt is sticking up you may be able to turn it with a vice-grip pliers. You can also slide a nut over it and weld it to the bolt, then use a socket and ratchet to unscrew it. I can describe how to do that even if the bolt is broken off flush. You'll need an acetylene torch, a wire feed welder, and at least one nut, maybe more.

If the remaining part of the bolt has already turned a little indicating it's not rusted tight you may be able to drill in the center with a left-hand drill bit and walk it out with that.

First, put the thermostat back in. It must be there or you will fry the motor.

You most likely have blown a head gasket from the overheating. Have a leak down test done to confirm

Roy

You blew the head gasket from overheating.

As far as the thermostat, it is there for a reason. It must be there to control flow throughout the motor. You have uncontrolled flow with it out and boils the water in the block. Its all about the engineering. If it did not matter, then it would not be there

Roy

You need to test the thermostat first.

With the vehicle at operating temperature both rad hoses should be around the same temperature. If the lower one is significantly cooler than the top hose that will indicate that the thermostat is stuck closed when it should be open.

It sounds like you did not bleed the coolant system properly.

With the engine cool, remove the rad cap and top up the coolant. Leave the cap off and start the vehicle with the heat on full. Let the vehicle idle until the thermostat opens up (so until both hoses are the same temperature) and you get heat coming out of the vents. Once this happens, usually all the coolant is bled out of the system.

Keep in mind as the vehicle is running the coolant level will get lower and lower since the air pockets are escaping, keep on refilling the radiator to the top.