[QUOTE=jimx200;144493]Thanks very much for this info..appreciated! Since I'm not very wrench handy, any idea what a shop would charge?









PRICE OF A THERMOSTAT, COST OF 2 GALLONS ANTIFREEZE PLUS LABOR.
tHE DEALER WANTED OVER 400 DOLLARS FOR THIS, THEY WANTED 90 DOLLARS JUST TO RECONFIRM THE PROBLEM. I'd SAY AN INDEPENDENT SHOP SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO IT FOR AROUND 225

 

Oviuosly engine size, # cylinders and possibly years could change this estimate.
I had mine done in late 2011 for $183.06. It included a flush and fill, new thermostat, gasket and all season green coolant, not the expensive pink stuff.
I went to a RAD speciality shop. Go to a shop that specializes in rads, cooling systems with a reasonable hourly rate. Main thing is that hourly rate.
1.5 hours total .5 for flush, 1 hour replace thermostat and gasket. $75/hour for $110. Gasket $11, Thermostat $14. 6 ltrs coolant $27. Tax $21.06. I did put in a little coler thermostat, 180 degrees (Stant # 45358), not recommended as it takes a while to warm up in winter but great in summer and better for power.
Even though the first cooling system change is required after 5 years, the second one should be earlier. I may be due later this year or next year as i don't drive much miles.