I've searched and can't seem to find a DIY on here. I've seen the diagram from the service manual, but just wondering if anyone's done a write-up or video DIY. Someone posted a link to a 350z tech site, but when I click on the link for Thermostat Replacement, it says I don't have permission even though I've already registered there. So any help guys?

 

make sure the engine is cool before starting. you don't want to get burned by coolant.

1. drain coolant - use drain plug on bottom of radiator (if equipped) or pull lower radiator hose off. if you go the lower radiator hose route, be sure to wear eye protection and be ready for coolant to come out very quickly.
2. let coolant continue to drain into drip pan for +/- 30 minutes.
3. disconnect lower radiator hose from thermostat housing (front of timing cover).
4. disconnect oil cooler hose (the smaller, 5/8" dia hose) from thermostat housing.
5. remove the thermostat housing - there are 3 bolts i think.
6. depending on the new t-stat you're going with, the new t-stat may or may not have the t-stat pre-installed in an OEM thermostat housing. i'm assuming you'll go with one that is pre-installed.
7. align new thermostat gasket behind t-stat housing by inserting one of the bolts through the housing. you can use some grey rtv to help hold the gasket in place if you run into difficulties.
8. install housing & gasket back in OEM t-stat location on the front of the timing cover. make sure the gasket is properly aligned.
9. torque the 3 bolts back to the OEM specs - check the service manual.
10. reconnect lower radiator hose & oil cooler hose.
11. make sure all hose clamps are secure and no hoses remain unconnected.
12. refill coolant and purge air from system - follow either the procedure in the service manual, bythebay's DIY video, or use a lisle 24610 funnel.

 

There is no need to do steps 1 and 2, I've replaced a thermostat and we didn't drain the coolant. Just let it drip out of the thermostat hose once you remove it. That way you won't have to replace all your coolant and saves you some time. The whole thing should take 10 minutes.

 

^ i think you may be confused about steps 1 and 2. only about 1 gallon of coolant comes out of the block & radiator when you crack open the radiator drain plug / lower radiator hose (is this what you're referring to as the 'thermostat hose'?). the majority of the coolant is still in the block - you'd have to open up the other drain plugs on the block if you want to fully drain the coolant system.

steps 1 and 2 remove just enough coolant so that you don't get coolant everywhere when you pull the two hoses off the t-stat.

 

^I still don't think its necessary. Not much coolant came out when I replaced one, and we were able to continue working without worrying about getting coolant everywhere. The car was also still hot, we didn't let it cool down. Didn't have the time to wait

You can still do it by draining out the coolant, but then it turns a 10 minute job into a 40 minute - an hour job.

 

thread revival!!!! lol

So I have a question...if I install a nismo t-stat canadians method do I still have to purge the air out? And if so how do I do that, is it like bleeding the brakes or something?

 

yes, anytime you open the coolant system to air you need to bleed the air out

you can use the valve in the back passenger side of the motor .

Use the FSM as a guide...the easiest and fastest way I have found is to use a LISLE spill-free funnel...but i also use the bleeder valve too