Vue, L300 V6 Thermostat Replacement – Part Deux

[thermalfinder]

I wrote a step-by-step instruction sheet while replacing our 2002 VUE V6 thermostat. I didn't take pictures though. Sorry.

Thanks to master member FDRYER (http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/member.php?u=22193)

Saturn Vue 2002 V6 6-cylinder AWD
Thermostat Replacement - Removal and Installation
By James Robert Steel
February 2009 (http://www.pccglobal.com/vehicle/saturn/)
http://www.pccglobal.com/vehicle/saturn/02vue_eng_200x.jpg (http://www.pccglobal.com/vehicle/saturn/)

[fdryer]

Pu-leese leave me out of this!? It all seems proper and its ALL YOUR DOING. :arr: This duck can only take so much...........:usa:

[rayzur9]

Thank you for an awesome step through. I have a couple of questions.
1.) The FSM mentions one-use-only bolts on the intake manifold. Any issues regarding these? Did you use any thread sealer?
2.) I need to do the same thing, but will also be changing plugs, and camshaft cover gaskets. About how long would you say the t-stat effort took you?
Thanks again for the step through.

[Gerry Proctor]

1.) The FSM mentions one-use-only bolts on the intake manifold. Any issues regarding these? Did you use any thread sealer?

I don't recall anything like torque-to-yield intake manifold bolts (assume you're referring to the spacer plate bolts)at all in the FSM. You have to put new thread sealer on the t-stat housing bolts. Just clean them up and put a new coating on them.

2.) I need to do the same thing, but will also be changing plugs, and camshaft cover gaskets. About how long would you say the t-stat effort took you?
Thanks again for the step through.

Saturn bills the t-stat replacement at five hours. I did mine in a bit over three. Now would also be a good time to replace the coolant since you can flush out the block by pouring distilled water directly down the housing throat to flush out the old coolant.

[thermalfinder]

1.) The FSM mentions one-use-only bolts on the intake manifold. Any issues regarding these? Did you use any thread sealer?
2.) I need to do the same thing, but will also be changing plugs, and camshaft cover gaskets. About how long would you say the t-stat effort took you?

1.) The intake manifold bolts are not "stretch" bolts such as cyl. head bolts. However, ALL bolts (except small bracket screws) including manifold bolts have thread lock on them. So, I think you are smart to either use new manifold bolts having fresh thread lock or clean the threads and use fresh LocTite® blue on all bolts. The bolts I installed all had the old thread lock on them and felt tight while installing.

2.) The R&R took me a full day. I don't have a shop and performed the R&R outside in 40 degree air. Also I spent time traveling 10 miles to the tool store to buy tools I didn't have. :p