2010 2LT Camaro Thermostat replacement - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

SummitWhite11 · 02-08-2022, 06:47 PM

After replacing the water pump myself last year around June-July if I remember correctly... I now notice a leak under the car after driving it for some time. At first glance, I thought it was a transmission fluid leak. I then took it the dealership for further inspection and they determined it was the thermostat housing that needed replacement.

They wanted to charge me $1009 for parts/labor plus some change. I told them I already had a new one on hand from gmpartsdirect.com. I purchased this at the same time I purchased the water pump. The cost of labor to install was now around $800. I then asked why so high.. they charge $135 per hour labor. If I provide the part, they will be able to knock it down to $100 an hr for labor. Now cost is at $600 for 6 hours labor to replace this thermostat housing.

My question is... I have read numerous posts, that the intake manifold does not need to be removed. However, noting that I have an early 2010 without the pre-drilled strut tower bar holes... I added the TPIS strut tower bar spacer kit along with the GM strut tower bar. If this needs to be removed in order to lift the intake manifold.. then that now means that I need to drop the front coilovers in order to access the nuts to remove the bolts for the strut tower bar.

Anyone have any insight on this? Sounds like a bigger job than expected.

ariZona28 · 02-08-2022, 07:29 PM

While rather vague here's a page out of the 'ol Chilton manual. Step 9 Removes the housing. It doesn't mention removing the intake. Can't see how this would be a $600-$1000 dealer job but what do I know?

SummitWhite11 · 02-08-2022, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ariZona28

While rather vague here's a page out of the 'ol Chilton manual. Step 9 Removes the housing. It doesn't mention removing the intake. Can't see how this would be a $600-$1000 dealer job but what do I know?

Thanks for sharing… but the location of the thermostat housing is a bitch to get to from what I see. However, I do agree… it shouldn’t be a $600-1000 job. I used to change them all the time on my older 87-92 Camaros. Used to be a simple part from the parts store and easily replaced in 5 mins.

Just for those that do not know.. the thermostat is included with the thermostat housing/gasket. It's built into it. The entire thing needs to be replaced.

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ariZona28 · 02-08-2022, 08:48 PM

Curiosity got to me so I meandered out to my little 2LS and I've got to admit that is the WORST F-ing place I've seen a T-stat located! Have you considered getting at it from underneath? I've got the LFX so there's no ex. manifold but the cat converter is a rather large obstacle. Of course popping the stat above your head could result in a dexcool facial but maybe it's good for the complexion. Hopefully somebody experienced in this exercise will chime in.

redcoats1976 · 02-08-2022, 11:07 PM

makes you wonder what an independent shop would charge,doesnt it?

NOT A 45 · 02-09-2022, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SummitWhite11

After replacing the water pump myself last year around June-July if I remember correctly... I now notice a leak under the car after driving it for some time. At first glance, I thought it was a transmission fluid leak. I then took it the dealership for further inspection and they determined it was the thermostat housing that needed replacement.

They wanted to charge me $1009 for parts/labor plus some change. I told them I already had a new one on hand from gmpartsdirect.com. I purchased this at the same time I purchased the water pump. The cost of labor to install was now around $800. I then asked why so high.. they charge $135 per hour labor. If I provide the part, they will be able to knock it down to $100 an hr for labor. Now cost is at $600 for 6 hours labor to replace this thermostat housing.

My question is... I have read numerous posts, that the intake manifold does not need to be removed. However, noting that I have an early 2010 without the pre-drilled strut tower bar holes... I added the TPIS strut tower bar spacer kit along with the GM strut tower bar. If this needs to be removed in order to lift the intake manifold.. then that now means that I need to drop the front coilovers in order to access the nuts to remove the bolts for the strut tower bar.

Anyone have any insight on this? Sounds like a bigger job than expected.

They are overcharging you! The most the labor should be is 2.4 hours. And the manifold doesn't need to be removed or lifted. I'd find another shop.

SummitWhite11 · 02-09-2022, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NOT A 45

They are overcharging you! The most the labor should be is 2.4 hours. And the manifold doesn't need to be removed or lifted. I'd find another shop.

I was thinking the same.

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02-08-2022, 06:47 PM	#1
SummitWhite11 Drives: 2010 2LT/RS Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Palm Coast, FL Posts: 1,175	2010 2LT Camaro Thermostat replacement After replacing the water pump myself last year around June-July if I remember correctly... I now notice a leak under the car after driving it for some time. At first glance, I thought it was a transmission fluid leak. I then took it the dealership for further inspection and they determined it was the thermostat housing that needed replacement. They wanted to charge me $1009 for parts/labor plus some change. I told them I already had a new one on hand from gmpartsdirect.com. I purchased this at the same time I purchased the water pump. The cost of labor to install was now around $800. I then asked why so high.. they charge $135 per hour labor. If I provide the part, they will be able to knock it down to $100 an hr for labor. Now cost is at $600 for 6 hours labor to replace this thermostat housing. My question is... I have read numerous posts, that the intake manifold does not need to be removed. However, noting that I have an early 2010 without the pre-drilled strut tower bar holes... I added the TPIS strut tower bar spacer kit along with the GM strut tower bar. If this needs to be removed in order to lift the intake manifold.. then that now means that I need to drop the front coilovers in order to access the nuts to remove the bolts for the strut tower bar. Anyone have any insight on this? Sounds like a bigger job than expected. __________________ 2010 2LT/RS ZL1 Appearance package, Flow Master American Thunder Cat Back Exhaust w/ QUAD TIPS, K&N Typhoon CAI, Ported VMAX TB, OEM GM Brembo Brakes Package w/ Hawks Carbon Ceramic Pads, Night Owl Halo Kit (WIFI), FRONT/REAR Carbon Fiber Wrapped Bowties, Rear Oracle Blue LED Bowtie, Oracle Ghosted Painted Side LED Markers, Silver Side Faded Gills, OEM Satin Camaro Fuel Door, OEM Strut Tower Brace, Detroit Speed Engineering 1.5" Lowering Springs, Koni Orange STR.T Struts, Z28 rear LCA's, Black Magic rear 32" sway bar, 1LE front sway bar w/ DSE end links. Evil Energy Catch Can.

02-08-2022, 07:29 PM	#2
ariZona28 Give speed a chance Drives: 2015 Camaro 2LS, 2015 Camaro Z/28 Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Mesa, Az Posts: 2,234	While rather vague here's a page out of the 'ol Chilton manual. Step 9 Removes the housing. It doesn't mention removing the intake. Can't see how this would be a $600-$1000 dealer job but what do I know? Attached Images __________________ 2LS: a TREMENDOUS machine. Z/28: it's a BIT MORE POWERFUL, of course.

02-08-2022, 08:48 PM	#4
ariZona28 Give speed a chance Drives: 2015 Camaro 2LS, 2015 Camaro Z/28 Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Mesa, Az Posts: 2,234	Curiosity got to me so I meandered out to my little 2LS and I've got to admit that is the WORST F-ing place I've seen a T-stat located! Have you considered getting at it from underneath? I've got the LFX so there's no ex. manifold but the cat converter is a rather large obstacle. Of course popping the stat above your head could result in a dexcool facial but maybe it's good for the complexion. Hopefully somebody experienced in this exercise will chime in. __________________ 2LS: a TREMENDOUS machine. Z/28: it's a BIT MORE POWERFUL, of course.

02-08-2022, 11:07 PM	#5
redcoats1976 Drives: LT W/2LT,blue metallic Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: central florida Posts: 4,915	makes you wonder what an independent shop would charge,doesnt it?