thermostat housing and clamps

[02v6ls]

so i was trying to remove these clamps so i can change the thermostat but i couldnt even do it. these clamps didnt move. so what i did is started unscrewing the 2 screws on the housing and separated it that way.

But, the thermostat wasnt on the bottom housing. What do I do? How can i remove these clamps or should i just stick a screw driver without looking and pop the t-stat out.

If i do that then dont i have to align the tstat with a bleeder valve in a certain direction?

 

[Shredicus]

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=81666

 

[msgtusmc]

Soak with PB Blaster to loosen clamp from hose. I always spray things the nite before, but 5 - 10 minutes works.

 

[TooManyToys]

For me it hasn't been as much a need to get the clamp off as much as getting the clamp open far enough so you can get the hose off the nipple. As Shredicus pointed out in the other thread, if you have Vice Grips and there is access to the clamp's tabs, you can often squeeze the clamp open as far as the hose clamp tool will take you.

I'd rebolt the housing back on, get the clamp open all the way, then twist and maneuver the hose off the housing so you can work the TS properly.