Need help re: Dealer thermostat replacement estimate
 

70 days ago, I had my dealer replace my oiler cooler lines due to leaks due to rust. In the process, the broke my radiator and replaced it at cost of parts no labor. Ever since, my 8 seems to be running hot with fans always running when I shut off. I waited until cool fall weather and the fans still run after shut down so I took it to the dealer. Dealer checked and said the engine temperature was not cooling down with the fans on and recommended I replace the thermostat. They quoted me $461.00. I think that estimate covers replacing the entire thermostat housing. Do I need all that or just have a new thermostat installed to replace the old one? Need advice. Thanks.

You just need the thermostat and it's a 30 minute job. 461 is fantasy pricing, but maybe they can knock it down a little on account of having charged you for a radiator they broke! How did you get suckered into paying for that?

No you can just replace the thermostat yourself. There's a tutorial.

I think my non OEM thermostat was like $20.

Loki: They said the nipple on the radiator is easy to break on older radiators and said they would not charge me the cost of the radiator. And I wanted my car back.

Legot: Thanks! I'll go the cheaper route!

Loki: My error. The dealer did not charge labor for installing the new replacement radiator. I paid the cost of the radiator.