Icky Mettle

Hey guys,

Quick question that needs a quick answer.

Thermostat + Housing + hoses: how much to replace and how easy? My dealer is wanting to charge me over $900 for the job and I need to let them know whether or not to proceed.

Pico

iTrader: (2)

Check mazmart for prices

Make sure the engine is cold before doing the removal

Remove engine cover
Remove strut bar
Remove battery cover
Disconnect the neg. battery cable
Remove battery and box
Remove the secondary air control valve, loosen up the water pump pulley installation bolt
Position the drive belt out of the way
Remove water pump pulley

Then you will have full access to the thermostat.

Then install in reverse order

Note:
Removal of the battery box is optional, if you can get in there without removing it then do so. Removing it just make life easier.

Make sure you have some anti-freeze handy for topping off

Icky Mettle

Awesome. Thank you so much, Pico. Checking into pricing and calling independent shops now.

shadycrew31

iTrader: (6)

You shouldn't need new hoses or housings. just a new thermostat, might as well do it yourself.

Icky Mettle

Allegedly, leaking coolant has corroded the hoses, housing, undertray, and bits of the surrounding area. Unfortunately, these are wear and tear items and aren't covered by my extended warranty. They quoted me thermostat, housing, housing gasket, upper and lower rad hoses. They're supposed to fax over a detailed list of parts + labor tomorrow morning, but I'm handing that list over to an independent mechanic I've worked with in the past so he can quote me a price. The price I was quoted today is outrageous. I had some other minor warranty issues taken care of, most notably two bad engine mounts. They're also saying the Duralast Gold battery I put in just a couple of months ago has gone bad with a dead cell and is the primary cause of my starting issues. All of this somewhat relates to a previous thread.

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-trouble-shooting-95/one-more-hard-start-problem-video-206492/

Thinking I might as well go with the Remedy thermostat/water pump combo and just have the pump replaced at the same time. I'll also be taking the battery back to the retailer for a warranty exchange.

So goes life...

shadycrew31

iTrader: (6)

That suckkssss!

I still say you should do it yourself. Also I wasn't aware that coolant can corrode aluminum.