T-Stat housing sleeve removal

[Oshkosh1]

Hi all...

So today I winterized my 93 Celebrity with a 5.7L Mercruiser. No problems getting the two block petcocks, two manifold drains, both lower manifold hoses and the PS hose off and drained(I realize I forgot the lower water pump hose...I'll do that tomorrow). I pulled the T-stat to check things out and can't the T-Stat removed. The brass(?) sleeve is seized in place. Now...I don't have any cooling/overheating issue, but my usual routine is to pour a gallon of pink stuff down just to purge any remaining water before replacing the drain cocks and hoses dry for the winter.

Any tips, tricks or advice? Or...should I simply buy a new gasket, put the cover on and call it a season?

Thanks in advance...

 

[Scott Danforth]

Buy a new sleeve or make one (its a piece of copper tube with a few slots in it).

Then pry out the old one

 

[thumpar]

On my 96 it is plastic. It does look colored from rust but new it is white plastic. I used the thermostat as a handle for pliers to grab onto. After some pulling and twisting it came out as one piece. The thermostat was ruined but I was replacing that anyway.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Both copper and plastic sleeves were made and used The company I worked at 8 years ago made the copper ones.

The sleeve can be remade out of copper by any home mechanic. Just remember to make the locating dimple (use a screwdriver and hammer)

 

[cwburkeva]

No Title

I went to mercruiser parts shop recently to get a new sleeve since I didn't think I could pull the old one out in one piece. They told me it was plastic, so I bought it. Turned out mine was brass. From a 1990 350 mag.

A lot of PB blaster, screw driver and mini nail puller and I was able to pull it out and salvage it. Plastic sleeve is in my parts bin for the day I am unable to pull it out. I should have put a thin layer of grease on it when putting it back in.

 

[Fun Times]

Plastic sleeve is in my parts bin for the day I am unable to pull it out. I should have put a thin layer of grease on it when putting it back in.

The plastic sleeve should be of a different design vs the brass and shouldn't work/fit in your thermostat housing design.

Have a part number or photo of the new one to confirm?