changing out thermostat only?

[RD996]

This is on a MY99 C2 Tip: I'm seeing a lot of DIYs which cover both water pump and Tstat replacement but as my WP was changed recently and my coolant flushed (both by a shop) I'm looking at what's involved with changing out the T-stat only. Do I need to pull the water pump to get the T-stat housing out or can I R&R the housing without messing with the water pump? Is there anything else in the way? I'm going to install an LN ENG T-stat. I have the Uview setup to aid replacing the coolant and priming the system properly.

[Ahsai]

Going by memory, I'm pretty sure you don't need to remove the water pump. You might need to remove the hose connected to the water pump for better access but even that I'm not sure you need. The photo also suggests the same. The 10mm 1/4" swivel socket is the ticket.

Edited April 14, 2014 by Ahsai

[xmac]

I can confirm that the thermostat is replaceable without removing the water pump. The hardest part is twisting the thermostat to fit into the housing. I think they also sell the combo housing + pre-installed thermostat which is an option. Other than dealing with the coolant and cleanup, a 20 minute job. I also used my Uview airlift to vacuum refill - one of the best tools I ever bought.

[Dennis Nicholls]

I just picked up a UView Airlift....which of the 3 rubber adapters do you use? The smallest one is a loose fit and the middle one looks too big.

[RD996]

Thanks guys! I didn't want to start the process and find out I had to mess with the WP. I'm getting the full LN housing so pulling the T-stat itself shouldn't be a problem either. Any sealants needed or recommended or is the gasket by itself fine?

Dennis: I seem to remember buying a special adapter for the 996 and that the included ones wouldn't do the job?

Edited April 14, 2014 by RD996

[Ahsai]

I think it's either the smallest or the middle one. You have to turn the knurled part to expand the adaptor to seal it.

Only the gasket is needed and no sealant. Just make sure the mating surfaces are clean and flat.

If you want to change out all the coolant, you can do it w/o much work compared to disconnecting lots of hoses under the car.

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/996-forum/737700-simple-3-step-complete-coolant-drain-updated-w-refill-procedure-water-pump-tips.html

[RD996]

Thanks Ahsai, I've bookmarked that for the time I need a full change.

[Dennis Nicholls]

I found it uses the smallest adapter: the knurled knob really expands the fit.

For a Boxster see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQnfUe6P5VI for use. There's also another YouTube on Pedro's site.