to replace thermostat OR not

[jamesmetairie]

is the question.. 2003 base vibe. has over 100,000 miles on it now. i don,t know if the coolant has ever been drained. when replacing the coolant is it a good idea to replace thermostat at this time on this vehicle. i don,t want to risk installing an inferior thermostat and burning the engine. would removing the engine lid make it a little easier to get to ??

[CoryW]

If its still working, theres no need to replace it, but if it makes you feel better to have a new one in it then go for it.

[djkeev]

It is 7 years old, has been working for 100,000 miles, YES replace it. IT is a mechanical device the opens and closes frequently.The shaft gets gunky, the thermal sensor ages and eventually fails.For the $12 bucks or so it will cost you'd be foolish not to renew it. An overheated engine will cost you far far far more than this.That being said, GO to Pontiac or Toyota and get a real thermostat. After markets have been known to have a higher failure rate.This is well known to any GM "J" car owner who has any experience with them and overheating! Use nothing but the factory or you'll pay for it!My 2 cents anyway.Dave

[jamesmetairie]

thanks for the advice. i will replace it with pontiac or toyota.

[Caretaker]

yes, replace it. You are due for new hoses anyway, so drain the coolant, replace the two hoses, and put in a new thermostat.

[MarkM04]

Leave it!

[ou.grizzly]

Quote, originally posted by MarkM04 »Leave it! May I ask why you say leave it?If over 100,000 miles a good thing would be to do is flush the coolant, replace the thermostat, replace the hoses, serp belt, spark plugs, and etc. Purchase a Toyota OEM Thermostat.