LS 2002 Thermal Housing Issues!!!

[KIJ]

I just began the process of changing my housing for my thermostat for my 2002 Lincoln LS. All went smoothly until I got to the back of the housing!!! There are two bolts in the back that are almost flush with the engine. After trying various tools including 1/4 8mm with a coupler (1/4to3/8) plus 3/8 swivel with an extension....Even angled needle nosed plyers...No Dice.. I cursed a whole lot (It didn't help...) About to start modifying my 8mm to be shorter so I can get in there.. but before I do that ...Im wondering if theres a special tool that I have to use to get the job done?

Another problem that I noticed is that the plugs are an inline 8 with barely any room to move around to get to the bottom bolts... I got meat hooks. Anyone have suggestions on tools to use? (Or a Keebler elf or a Magwai I can borrow.. I wont feed him after 12.. I promise..)

 

[joegr]

Crow's foot wrench.

 

[1LoudLS]

or a Magwai I can borrow.. I wont feed him after 12.. I promise..)

wow, taking it allll the way back with that one! lol

also makes me now kinda feel old that its now a 30 year old reference



you better also keep it dry too...

 

[Blueberryyum02]

A 8mm crows foot wrench is your best friend on this car. Believe me. When I changed mines I chiseled the old plastic part off, the jag version on and that crows foot help wonders had to pay a arm and a leg for next day deliver cause none of the box stores carry it in that size. And sears and snapontools want to much found it on amazon for 12 bucks.

 

[RigsLS]

Re&Re - Jag Aluminum Upgraded Thermostat housing - GEN 1 V8

 

[KIJ]

LOL!! OLD!! We're not old.. there too young! LOL!

 

[KIJ]

Thanks guys! Its Sunday so Im gonna get it DONE! I appreciate all your posts. Got me out of a bind!

K

 

[KIJ]

@ BigRigLS .. That wrench looks specific to the therm housing! Where can I get one !! What can I use for a tune up for those small 7mm bolts on the top of the engine to get to those plugs? That space is super TIGHT!

 

[RigsLS]

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trk..._nkw=+Brake+Bleeder+Wrench&_sacat=0&_from=R40

It's called a 5/16" - 3/8" Brake Bleeder wrench, you might find them on Amazon, Ebay. Could also flag down the first Snap-on dealer service truck you see go down the road. (little LOL there). For the small hard to reach nuts and bolts, I'd just invest in a good selection of small swivels, extensions for your combination ratchet set.

 

[RigsLS]

It's called a "Brake Bleeder Wrench"

Snap-On Brake Bleeder Wrench 5/16" X 3/8"

- http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nice-USA-Sn...-S8184-5-16-3-8-Offset-Obstacle-/221410643215
- http://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-Brake-Bleeder-Wrench-5-16-X-3-8-S8184-/161271149323


more: http://www.ebay.com/bhp/brake-bleeder-wrench


(I borrowed one from my neighbors shop )

~ Hey look, I quoted myself with the "answer" from that link I provided earlier.

 

[1LoudLS]

I agree, for just about everything i've had to do, a good socket/ratchet set with a good selection of extensions and swivel bits in every size gets it done.

@ BigRigLS .. That wrench looks specific to the therm housing! Where can I get one !! What can I use for a tune up for those small 7mm bolts on the top of the engine to get to those plugs? That space is super TIGHT!

if you're talking about the coil cover bolts, I get them all off with a 1/4" ratchet, a standard 6pt 7mm socket, and one of two extensions, for some bolts I use the 2" extension, some bolts I use the longer extension (not sure, around 4"-5") and there is at least one bolt that I use a small 7mm combination wrench with a string tying it to my wrist so that I don't drop it back behind the motor.

 

[LS4me]

If you're talking about the coil cover bolts, I get them all off with a 1/4" ratchet, a standard 6pt 7mm socket, and one of two extensions, for some bolts I use the 2" extension, some bolts I use the longer extension (not sure, around 4"-5") and there is at least one bolt that I use a small 7mm combination wrench with a string tying it to my wrist so that I don't drop it back behind the motor.

I did that that the first time; until I spent more time pulling the wrench back up than I did wrenching. For the next round I acquired a 7mm swivel socket. That was some of the best $12 I ever spent!!!