Is it easy to change the thermostat myself on my 1995 960?

Hiya chaps, just been searching for the problem i've got, the past couple of journeys the temperature guage for the water only goes up to about a third. I thought it must have been going a bit funny because it seems to fluctuate a tiny amount sometimes although around the centre point. From the threads i've read, it does seem to be a common problem (thermostat). They seem to be around a tenner, is that a good price? Also is it easy to change yourself? If anyone has done it and it is a simple job, a little guide would be gratefully recieved :thumbs_up: Thanks in advance guys :)

Hi, It sounds like the thermostat is stuck open. A simple way to check this is to start the engine from cold and hold on to the radiator top hose. If the thermostat is working properly the top hose will remain cold until the engine reaches operating temperature, when it (the top hose) will suddenly become warm as the thermostat opens. If the thermostat is stuck open, however, the top hose will warm up gradually as the engine warms up. Changing the thermostat on the 3ltr engine is pretty straightforward. firstly, buy a new thermostat and cover gasket. Then, it's just a case of draining two or three litres of coolant from the drain **** situated near where radiator bottom hose connects down the right hand side of the engine block, near the front. Wrap plenty of towel or kitchen roll around and below the thermostat housing to catch any coolant residue and undo the housing cover securing bolts. Lift the housing cover, still attached to the radiator top hose, off the housing and lift out the old thermostat and gasket, noting the way in which the gasket seats. Clean up the mating surfaces, pop in the new thermostat and gasket and replace the cover. I can't remember the recommended torque figures for the securing bolts offhand, but they will be in the workshop section of the website - whatever you do, though, don't overtighten them, because this might damage the threads. Incidentally, depending on how long the coolant has been in the engine - if it's more than two years old - it is worth draining the lot out and refilling with a mix of 50% new coolant and 50% distilled water. Hope this helps. Stan.

Stan's post is spot on, but here's an additional pointer. The Thermostat bolts are actually Torx bolts, T40 if I remember correctly and are likely to be very stiff. Use a good quality Torx set or you'll run the risk of damaging the bolts.