Change thermostat - how to?

[GriffX]

I think my thermostat is leaking, the upper radiator hose is warm after 1 mi drive and it takes longer for the engine to warm up.

Is it enough to remove the coolant from the the reservoir to lower the level in the system?

What do I have to remove? Throttle body and the generator to get to the bolts?

Thanks!

07 GT

 

[07 Boss]

I'm assuming you have an '07 or later but I believe you have to just undo the alternator bracket. And yes, you don't have to drain the whole system.

 

[GriffX]

Good news everybody, if you have a 2010 generator you just need to remove the throttle body.

I emptied the expansion tank and the thermostat was almost dry just a minor spill. The old thermostat had a very little gap from the size of a hair at the metal valve towards the radiator. That was enough to increase the warm-up time significantly.
If you change the coolant take the opportunity to change the thermostat, it's cheap.

The new one has a rubber valve now.

 

[GriffX]

Some pictures, if you have access to medical equipment, I used a urine bag to suck out the coolant reservoir
New thermostat is from Hyundai.