Thermostat Removal and Installation: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Suzuki Reno and 2005 Suzuki Forenza. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: To prevent personal injury, do not remove the surge tank cap while the engine and the radiator are hot because the heat causes the system to remain under pressure. Scalding fluid and steam may be blown out high pressure.

Drain the coolant. Refer to "DRAINING AND REFILLING THE COOLING SYSTEM ."
Loosen the hose clamp on the upper radiator hose at the thermostat housing.
Disconnect the upper radiator hose from the thermostat housing.

Fig 1: Loosening Hose Clamp On Upper Radiator Hose At Thermostat Housing
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Remove the mounting bolts that hold the thermostat housing to the cylinder head.
Remove the thermostat housing from the cylinder head.

Fig 2: Removing Thermostat Housing Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Remove the seal ring from the thermostat housing.
Remove the thermostat from the thermostat housing by pressing the thermostat mounting flange downward and then rotating the flange clockwise.
Inspect the valve seat for foreign matter that could prevent the valve from sealing properly.
Inspect the thermostat for proper operation. Refer to "THERMOSTAT TEST ."
Clean the thermostat housing and the cylinder head mating surfaces.

Fig 3: Removing Seal Ring From Thermostat Housing
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.