2.0 LSJ Engine: how to: replace thermostat(with pics)
Senior Member
Joined: 06-03-07
Posts: 14,142
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From: NY
Idk, I've done the tstat twice since 2007 and there's no way I could have gotten that one bolt out with the oil pump there. Maybe you could turn the bolt 10 degrees at a time but my huge hands couldn't get the socket down there lol.
Joined: 12-30-07
Posts: 14,079
Likes: 197
From: NEPA
Huge hands could be a problem, lol.
Junior Member
Joined: 04-18-14
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From: Mississauga, ON, Canada
Id like to add an update to this thread for anyone interested. There are two different styles of thermostat's available for all ecotec motors. While most part's websites will not list these two, they are GM equivalent and aftermarket upgrade tstats for our cars.
You can find gates or stant thermostats in two different flavors. OE Exact and OE Type. Both of which are 180 degree thermostats, both behave differently in terms of the amount of coolant they can flow, and the rate at which they open. If you are looking for OE cooling characteristics then you want to use the OE Exact thermostat which is an exact replica of the OEM GM replacement (Alternate/OEM Part Number(s): 12615097, 12622410, 131139, 55350941, 90537453).
The OE Type thermostat is a slightly larger thermostat with a heavier spring and upgraded weir valve. This thermostat will open to full faster, and close faster as the car cools down, thus maintaining a lower operating temperature using the thermostat alone. These two style of thermostats are sold by GATES and STANT (under the brand name "superstat"). Both are made by the same manufacturer. Stant describes the superstat (gates OE "type" style) as the following...
Stant's SuperStat® uses a high flow venturi for maximum cooling capacity during high temperature, high load operation and employs a unique Weir Valve® for precise flow metering during cold weather, light load operation to ensure stable temperature control under all conditions.
The high strength stainless steel flange is burnished to a bright finish for additional stress relief and added corrosion resistance.
The Stant SuperStat® thermostat is also thicker than most competitor thermostats and our standard reverse poppet thermostat for added strength and longer life.
The power element of SuperStat® is comparable to those used in heavy-duty trucks. Its actuator piston is larger in diameter than the standard thermostat and competitive product. This larger piston delivers 1 1/2 times the power of our standard thermostat and almost 2 1/2 times as much power as the competition for enhanced durability and longer life.
The opening spring of the Stant SuperStat® thermostat is designed with a load that is 50% stronger than our standard reverse poppet thermostat. This heavy-duty spring helps return the thermostat to the closed position and prevent cold running, even under the most adverse conditions. Features and Benefits
Using the navigates system (NaviGates) gates lists the following part numbers for the 2006 Cobalt SS.
OE Exact Thermostat - 180° Reverse Poppet (2 17/64" x 11/16" x 1 3/16") w/1 Seal Part# 34025
OE Type Thermostat - 180º Reverse Poppet (2 17/64" x 7/8" x 1 13/64") w/1 Seal Part# 33943
ACDELCO also offers a replacement thermostat for our car's, the ACDELCO thermostat eliminates the use of the center seal for when the thermostat gets stuck. This is often the seal that people find missing around the center of their thermostat. I personally do not recommend using this as the replacement as that seal is there for a purpose in case of failure, Coolant is still allowed to pass by the tstat.
Why upgrade the thermostat you ask? Well a 160* thermostat is just far too cold for these car's to run efficiently. 180* is perfect, but the way the OEM tstat behaves, most people find consistently average coolant temps above 200 degree's. While the cooling fans themselves dont turn on until above 220 on most car's.
This upgraded thermostat along with 70/30 (water/coolant) coolant and a bottle of water wetter from redline. My car will average between 192-195 at idle in traffic in even the hottest weather. Never having the need to get close to the temp the fans turn on at.
Here's a couple pictures for reference, a blown OEM thermostat on the left vs a brand new gates oe type 33943 180 degree tstat.
You can find gates or stant thermostats in two different flavors. OE Exact and OE Type. Both of which are 180 degree thermostats, both behave differently in terms of the amount of coolant they can flow, and the rate at which they open. If you are looking for OE cooling characteristics then you want to use the OE Exact thermostat which is an exact replica of the OEM GM replacement (Alternate/OEM Part Number(s): 12615097, 12622410, 131139, 55350941, 90537453).
The OE Type thermostat is a slightly larger thermostat with a heavier spring and upgraded weir valve. This thermostat will open to full faster, and close faster as the car cools down, thus maintaining a lower operating temperature using the thermostat alone. These two style of thermostats are sold by GATES and STANT (under the brand name "superstat"). Both are made by the same manufacturer. Stant describes the superstat (gates OE "type" style) as the following...
Stant's SuperStat® uses a high flow venturi for maximum cooling capacity during high temperature, high load operation and employs a unique Weir Valve® for precise flow metering during cold weather, light load operation to ensure stable temperature control under all conditions.
The high strength stainless steel flange is burnished to a bright finish for additional stress relief and added corrosion resistance.
The Stant SuperStat® thermostat is also thicker than most competitor thermostats and our standard reverse poppet thermostat for added strength and longer life.
The power element of SuperStat® is comparable to those used in heavy-duty trucks. Its actuator piston is larger in diameter than the standard thermostat and competitive product. This larger piston delivers 1 1/2 times the power of our standard thermostat and almost 2 1/2 times as much power as the competition for enhanced durability and longer life.
The opening spring of the Stant SuperStat® thermostat is designed with a load that is 50% stronger than our standard reverse poppet thermostat. This heavy-duty spring helps return the thermostat to the closed position and prevent cold running, even under the most adverse conditions. Features and Benefits
Using the navigates system (NaviGates) gates lists the following part numbers for the 2006 Cobalt SS.
OE Exact Thermostat - 180° Reverse Poppet (2 17/64" x 11/16" x 1 3/16") w/1 Seal Part# 34025
OE Type Thermostat - 180º Reverse Poppet (2 17/64" x 7/8" x 1 13/64") w/1 Seal Part# 33943
ACDELCO also offers a replacement thermostat for our car's, the ACDELCO thermostat eliminates the use of the center seal for when the thermostat gets stuck. This is often the seal that people find missing around the center of their thermostat. I personally do not recommend using this as the replacement as that seal is there for a purpose in case of failure, Coolant is still allowed to pass by the tstat.
Why upgrade the thermostat you ask? Well a 160* thermostat is just far too cold for these car's to run efficiently. 180* is perfect, but the way the OEM tstat behaves, most people find consistently average coolant temps above 200 degree's. While the cooling fans themselves dont turn on until above 220 on most car's.
This upgraded thermostat along with 70/30 (water/coolant) coolant and a bottle of water wetter from redline. My car will average between 192-195 at idle in traffic in even the hottest weather. Never having the need to get close to the temp the fans turn on at.
Here's a couple pictures for reference, a blown OEM thermostat on the left vs a brand new gates oe type 33943 180 degree tstat.
I just installed a Gates (called "Stant") 33943 on my IRL and though it looks similar to the "Motorad" that came out of the car, it's a little beefier.
It cost $44 @ Napa here in the GTA.
Here's my experience with heating with this thermostat.
On a 25f morning (IAT1 temp), it takes about 2 minutes of city driving to get up to 90f. At 5 minutes of city/highway driving it will get up to 150f.
Temperatures range from 170-180f after 20-30 minutes of driving around.
I haven't seen 190f yet.
and you have been able to run that for an extended period of time? I tried that once and soon as they turned both fuses blew. Wasn't able to run anymore then 85% or the fuses would pop. I was told by hptuners that they were never designed to run at 100%.
Senior Member
Joined: 06-03-07
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From: NY
It's been so long since I tuned the car and I don't have my HPT Cable anymore to check...
New Member
Joined: 05-06-15
Posts: 20
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From: south dakota
That's the cam position sensor housing, i'd suggest you don't remove that unless you absolutely must, as it will move when you take it out and you will have to re-time it after, which can be a pain if you've never done it before.
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From: south dakota
New Member
Joined: 05-06-15
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: south dakota
Remove spark plugs and check for piston at TDC, although you can't tell if it's compression or overlap stroke without taking the valve cover off. That's why I say, don't bother removing it.
Try a long extension with a swivel, that's how i've done the LSJ t-stats without removing much else.
Try a long extension with a swivel, that's how i've done the LSJ t-stats without removing much else.
New Member
Joined: 05-06-15
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From: south dakota
ok cool I got it I just reset the sensor I just align the housing with notch and the hex then remove negative side of the battery and the wait 30 seconds and plug everything back up and it started
New Member
Joined: 04-20-16
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: OHIO
Engline Coolant Temp
Hello Gents,
Im kind of new at maintaining my own car since my divorce. My Engine Coolant temperature indicator is this "---". but, then suddenly it comes back on and indicates the internal engine temperature, then it comes back to to being three dashes. Since i am SUCH a girl in these matters, and dont have any male friends to "lend a hand" can you tell me please, if it's my ECT Sensor or the thermostat or does it need antifreeze?
im scared to drive the bloody thing in fear of it blowing the engine up or something since i cannot see the engine's internal temperature. Im unable to take it to the dealership as i once did when i was married. I have to learn how to maintain my own for the first time. It was only last week i found out how to replace my own wiper blades, and put washer fluid in my car.
So, in closing, Id appreciate it gents or gals, if you could assist me in figuring out why my engine's internal temperature has "---".
Thanks for you attention in this manner,
Elizabeth
Im kind of new at maintaining my own car since my divorce. My Engine Coolant temperature indicator is this "---". but, then suddenly it comes back on and indicates the internal engine temperature, then it comes back to to being three dashes. Since i am SUCH a girl in these matters, and dont have any male friends to "lend a hand" can you tell me please, if it's my ECT Sensor or the thermostat or does it need antifreeze?
im scared to drive the bloody thing in fear of it blowing the engine up or something since i cannot see the engine's internal temperature. Im unable to take it to the dealership as i once did when i was married. I have to learn how to maintain my own for the first time. It was only last week i found out how to replace my own wiper blades, and put washer fluid in my car.
So, in closing, Id appreciate it gents or gals, if you could assist me in figuring out why my engine's internal temperature has "---".
Thanks for you attention in this manner,
Elizabeth
Hello Gents,
Im kind of new at maintaining my own car since my divorce. My Engine Coolant temperature indicator is this "---". but, then suddenly it comes back on and indicates the internal engine temperature, then it comes back to to being three dashes. Since i am SUCH a girl in these matters, and dont have any male friends to "lend a hand" can you tell me please, if it's my ECT Sensor or the thermostat or does it need antifreeze?
im scared to drive the bloody thing in fear of it blowing the engine up or something since i cannot see the engine's internal temperature. Im unable to take it to the dealership as i once did when i was married. I have to learn how to maintain my own for the first time. It was only last week i found out how to replace my own wiper blades, and put washer fluid in my car.
So, in closing, Id appreciate it gents or gals, if you could assist me in figuring out why my engine's internal temperature has "---".
Thanks for you attention in this manner,
Elizabeth
Im kind of new at maintaining my own car since my divorce. My Engine Coolant temperature indicator is this "---". but, then suddenly it comes back on and indicates the internal engine temperature, then it comes back to to being three dashes. Since i am SUCH a girl in these matters, and dont have any male friends to "lend a hand" can you tell me please, if it's my ECT Sensor or the thermostat or does it need antifreeze?
im scared to drive the bloody thing in fear of it blowing the engine up or something since i cannot see the engine's internal temperature. Im unable to take it to the dealership as i once did when i was married. I have to learn how to maintain my own for the first time. It was only last week i found out how to replace my own wiper blades, and put washer fluid in my car.
So, in closing, Id appreciate it gents or gals, if you could assist me in figuring out why my engine's internal temperature has "---".
Thanks for you attention in this manner,
Elizabeth
New Member
Joined: 04-20-16
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: OHIO
it the engine temperature sensor easy to change?
and another question.
"is it safe for a engine temp to be at 200+ (when the temp gauge actually works)? someone told me it was safe...but i dont believe them.
thank you for your time.
thank you soooo much. im daft when it comes to my car... i dont want to blow the thing up as i love my baby girl.
it the engine temperature sensor easy to change?
and another question.
"is it safe for a engine temp to be at 200+ (when the temp gauge actually works)? someone told me it was safe...but i dont believe them.
thank you for your time.
it the engine temperature sensor easy to change?
and another question.
"is it safe for a engine temp to be at 200+ (when the temp gauge actually works)? someone told me it was safe...but i dont believe them.
thank you for your time.
The temps can be as high as 225 before the fans come on if your a/c is turned off, and that's totally normal. With your a/c on, which forces the fans to come on, it usually will stay below 200 with a good working cooling system. If you have the air turned off and park the car, you'll see it climb to 220, the fans kick on, and it drops back below 200 fairly quickly. Should never really go below 180 if the t-stat is working properly, even cruising on the highway in cool weather.
New Member
Joined: 04-01-13
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: anderson, CA
the easy way
We found that if you simply disconnect the two heater hoses, which most likely need replaced anyways, all of the bolts are easy to get to from behind the motor You do not need to take any of the senors off Much easier than taking other unnecessary stuff off.
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