I can't get the thermostat housing cap off my '88 GT. The cap will not push down, therefore, it will not turn past the locks. I've tried everything I know of. Does anybody have any suggestions for getting this thing off without tearing something up. Appreciate some guidance. Thanks. Tom Whitton, Paducah, KY

Pair of channel-lock pliers. Open them up,grab the sides,give her a twist..
Good luck!!

I have had good luck using one of those rubber belt strap wrenches....and now I put a bit of anti-sieze on before I re-install.

If you don't plan on re-using--hammer and flat blade screwdriver----push down while holding the screwdriver and tap gently--it will move (sounds hard but its not)

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Pat Jones

oil-filter wrench

I believe the 88 Helm tells you to turn clockwise to remove it. It is counterclockwise.

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Rodney Dickman

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Phone/Fax (262) 835-9575

Clockwise? O my.. that's about as good as the pic of the ALDL shown upside down for the "A/B" ports.

quote Originally posted by 88FieroGT TTops: If you don't plan on re-using--hammer and flat blade screwdriver----push down while holding the screwdriver and tap gently--it will move (sounds hard but its not)

You can do this method normally without damaging the cap. Use the flat-head at the little ledge point along the cap. There is actually an indention that the flat-head can "rest" in. Give it a firm few taps, and then it'll loosen up to turn it. You can re-use it, even when doing it this way.

The best (i.e., easiest) way though is an oil filter wrench.

I've also used a strap wrench. I keep one in the car, you never know when you'll need it.

Once you have it off, clean up the surface of the thermostat housing (sand paper or something similar). The old cap may leak, so I would recommend buying an new one, just to make sure it seals well.

Gentlemen, thanks for your suggestions. Both the Haynes Repair Manual and the 88 Fiero Serivce Manual from GM instructed to turn thermostat housing cap clockwise. I referred to both manuals when I couldn't turn the cap originally and read the instructions over several times because I was surprised both manuals said to turn clockwise to remove. Obviously, both were wrong. I'm correcting both manuals. Thanks again for the help. Tom Whitton - Paducah, KY

quote Originally posted by Tom1: Both the Haynes Repair Manual and the 88 Fiero Serivce Manual from GM instructed to turn thermostat housing cap clockwise.

To remove the cap, you do turn it clockwise... if you're lying under the car.

It's all a matter of perspective.