I broke a thingy
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2008 Pontiac Solstice GXP - Mysterious (with unkown origin blue sparkle in rear bumper cover paint)
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Did you remove the plastic cowl in front of the windshield?
If you do, please follow some threads on the forum for advice as it is a part that is easy to remove, but there are caveats as to "how to" without breaking something. Most specifically the clips that go under the windshield and the plastic christmas tree fasteners that you need to open the doors all the way to access.
Also, many folks have struggled with removing the windshield wiper arms. I found that by gently pushing down on "elbow" portion of the arm to get it more flush to the windshield i was able to easily wiggle them up and off the geared posts they mount to.
2008 Pontiac Solstice GXP - Mysterious (with unkown origin blue sparkle in rear bumper cover paint)
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5,432 Posts
"If" you are still taking the turbo off, and then removing the thermostat housing, you will be able to rotate it slightly once off the block to get a better angle at that rear bolt on the thermostat.
If you are not going that route, removing the cowl and then an adjustable socket elbow on a deep socket was how I got to it the first time. It is probably the fourth or fith hardest bolt to get to on the car in my limited experience.
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I’ve got these completely removed. I did struggle a bit with the wiper arms but they came off once I got the right tool. I’m just unable to get at the 10mms holding the thermostat housing on. Between it’s own pipes, the exhaust manifold and the cat I can’t reach the bolt with any known tool.
2008 Pontiac Solstice GXP - Mysterious (with unkown origin blue sparkle in rear bumper cover paint)
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5,432 Posts
Agreed it is a real bear of an access point. I assure you it "can and has" been done but you may have to get creative. I cant remember specifically how i did it the first time but i had at least one adjustable elbow if not two and a series of extenders AND I got a step stool so that my vantage point was no longer "leaning over the fender".
If memory serves i got an elevator/moving blanket, made sure i was bracing myself on non breakable parts and essentially laid across the windshield/motor to get the angle required. I think at one point i had a wand magnet and used it to guide the socket to the bolt as well. (keep in mind i only weigh 155lbs)
Also, you can completely remove the two 02 sensor wires (CAREFULLY!) if they are positioned in such a way as to obscure your access as another option.
Just take photos of how everything was routed for reassembly purposes.
If memory serves i got an elevator/moving blanket, made sure i was bracing myself on non breakable parts and essentially laid across the windshield/motor to get the angle required. I think at one point i had a wand magnet and used it to guide the socket to the bolt as well. (keep in mind i only weigh 155lbs)
Also, you can completely remove the two 02 sensor wires (CAREFULLY!) if they are positioned in such a way as to obscure your access as another option.
Just take photos of how everything was routed for reassembly purposes.
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Parent’s place in Harrisburg PA. I live in Daytona FL but won’t be driving back till this car runs. That being said, I did get the thermostat housing off thanks to help from several people and am getting ready to attempt the water pump. Not yet ready to tap out. (That usually occurs after I royally blow it)
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I live right outside of hbg PA
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Lewisberry
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Billy, I assume you've seen DDMs instructions that explain how to change the water pump? They also cover the thermostat replacement in there.
Or this...
I think that you might be missing the fact that the hose clamp has to be rotated in order to trove one of the bolts if no one has been there before.
Or this...
I think that you might be missing the fact that the hose clamp has to be rotated in order to trove one of the bolts if no one has been there before.
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I’ve seen both
but I do appreciate the suggestions.
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Nothing back between the engine and the firewall that could be going you problems really other than the clamp that could well be in the way. Here's a post where one gentleman used brute force to move the clamp out of the way.
www.solsticeforum.com
Darn clamp in the way
I appreciate all of the hints and tips, but I'm even more worried about getting that second bolt loose and then not being able to get the thermostat out from under the 6 hoses and 6 sensors that are there. If I continue to work on this, I'm going to just pull all of the sensors (cam, oil, temp...
www.solsticeforum.com
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I did manage to finally get it off. It does have three 10mm bolts as well as the bolt for the coolant line to the turbo and the bolt that holds the electrical device in.
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Oh this is a helpful diagram though I’m stealing this
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Remove the cat to exhaust pipe bolts, remove the nuts that hold the cat to the turbo and wiggle the cat off of the studs Remove the three banjo bolts that connect coolant and oil lines to the turbo. go under the car and there's four studs with nuts that connect the turbo to the exhaust manifold, you kind of have to look up through in front of the motor mount bracket to see them. There's very little room between the turbo and frame with the mounting studs in but again wiggle the turbo around and it will come off. Replace the oil and coolant lines going to the turbo, their subject to a lot of heat and a failure could be catastrophic to the turbo. Also replace the oil drain pipe that goes from the turbo down to the block, at the block it's a slip fit, no fasteners. When putting the turbo back on make double sure to get the drain hose back into the block. It's all a pain in the ass to do but it can be done.
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To remove the thermostat housing you have to first remove the coolant temperature sensor as it's blocking one bolt. The second thingy you broke is the CPS, it's held on by one 10mm bolt and you should be able to get a small screwdriver in to get the sensor out of its hole
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When you put the WP back in make sure you line up the colored links on the chain with the marks on the balance shafts and crank gear
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I bought the GM tool to make sure I didn’t mess with the timing, you’re not implying my I still have to mess with the timing, are you?
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