VN S1 V6 thermostat removal??

[Gorn]

Hi guys
Im just wondering how most of you go about getting the thermostat housing off of a VN V6 S1?
Could Holden have done a bigger bastard of a job there if they tried?
So anyway, do I actually HAVE to remove the throttle body to get decent access to the thermostat housing?
Ive tried undoing that 1 mongrel bolt without removing any of the intake system, but if I use a spanner it hits the rocker cover, and my socket set is just the right length to bash the throttle body,or be to short if I dont use an extension.
So, please give me some hints and tips on the best way to go about a mongrel of a job.
Please bear in mind that Im a newbie as far as this car is concerned, and have limited resources.
At the moment she is getting very hot and boiling the coilant out of the overflow tank.......merry bloody christmas eh? pfffff
Cheers

[VN Commy]

When I did mine I took off the bonnet so I could get right in there, made it a bit easier. Yeah it'll be easier to just take off the throttle body and the elbow that it's connected to. It's a good chance to clean the TB out anyway. If the housing's still stuck with the bolt removed give it a tap to try and twist it back and forth and eventually it will come loose.

[defa]

it is onlt 3 bolts to take the elbow and throttle body off. and it is pretty easy once you do it.. careful you don't break the thermo housing if you go tapping it. i have broken one through tapping it. but that was a bit more than tapping i spose..

[VNCalais98K]

i have broken one through tapping it. but that was a bit more than tapping i spose..

hehe... classic

[Gorn]

Thanks guys. I'll give it a go.

[SweetWagon]

When i did mine i just un-bolted the elbow (2 bolts) and got the whole throttle assembly out of the way. You will also need a new o-ring for the thermostat housing.

[immortality]

i did manage to do mine without removing the TB and elbow but it was a prick of a job. i think i might of used a 1/4" socket set

[defa]

yeah. i was quite cranky when i broke it. but i put it back together and it sealed believe it or not. not woner it broke. the motor had been sitting for 12 months or so..
i have done it without removing anything too. but it is easier to just remove the elbow and throttle body. much quicker and less swearing..

[Gorn]

Well, today I just jumped in and removed the throttle body.
And with the help of my "gentle persuader" (hammer) I got the thermostat housing off.
Need a new housing, so off to repco tomorrow. Ive already got the o ring seal and new thermostat.
Thanks for the advice guys