Need advice on removing a stuck thermostat housing

[MrMonkeyShines]

I have a 2013 3.7L v6 and I'm needing to replace the water pump. I've gotten everything removed down to the thermostat housing, including the bolts. Problem is the housing won't budge. I've attempted penetrating spray and tapping it loose, but no luck. Anybody else have this problem and what did you do to remedy the situation? I'd prefer to do the work myself and not have to take it to the mechanic. I've included pictures of the offending part. Thanks.

 

[MrMonkeyShines]

Upon further inspection I believe I've found the problem. If you look to the left, you can see the piping that goes to the top rad hose has calcium & lime scale built up on it. My guess is the previous owner used regular hose water and now the housing is stuck in place. I've put it back together and when the CLR radiator flush arrives I'm going to use it and hopefully that will loosen it.

 

[Robert Larimer]

Upon further inspection I believe I've found the problem. If you look to the left, you can see the piping that goes to the top rad hose has calcium & lime scale built up on it. My guess is the previous owner used regular hose water and now the housing is stuck in place. I've put it back together and when the CLR radiator flush arrives I'm going to use it and hopefully that will loosen it.

You have the right idea. That pipe goes thru the intake and is sealed with an o-ring. Spray some wd-40 in the joint and twist it a bit while pulling it straight out. Get a new o-ring for it too.

 

[MrMonkeyShines]

Thanks for the advice. After flushing the system, I was going to use Slick 50 and tap it with a rubber mallet if necessary. After looking at that housing pipe, I ordered a new thermostat housing with a new O-ring. There's no telling what the intake side looks like. Better safe than sorry.

 

[MrMonkeyShines]

You have the right idea. That pipe goes thru the intake and is sealed with an o-ring. Spray some wd-40 in the joint and twist it a bit while pulling it straight out. Get a new o-ring for it too.

Thanks for your help with this. Finally got it off with a lot of TLC (Tender Love and Cursing). Flushed the cooling system with CLR Pro Radiator Flush and then used a 17" pry bar, wood block and large hammer, rubber mallet (after it loosened), and copious amounts of WD-40. The thing was cemented in there with all of the lime and calcium build up (see attached photos). Cleaned it up, and all that's left is to install the new water pump, thermo housing, and fill it up with fresh coolant.