Modrod

I was putting in a thermostat on my friends 96 LS400 and when I was tightening the bottom nut down the stud snapped. Is it possible to replace just the stud/bolt or do I need to replace the whole housing?

LScowboyLS

you will need to replace the whole housing, but junkyard is fine on this part if it is not corroded, and in nice condition (about $2-$5 at the local pull-a-part)


how to keep this from happening next time:

1. use a torque wrench like you are supposed to on all fasteners under the hood

2. don't have a torque wrench and in a bind? - on these small 10mm fasteners, place the head of the ratchet in your palm and tighten it up (don't touch the ratchet handle) - I don't care how much of a bad-*** you are, you cannot get enough torque to snap a fastener this way, but you can get enough torque to get a good seal!

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

this is incorrect.

You can replace just the stud, the part number is 92122-B0822, there are 2 of them that hold the water inlet to the housing. (1996 LS400)

Modrod

Cool, thanks.

Side note: I did use a torque wrench but it was a crappy rental from Autozone and the lock was faulty. I realized this too late, obviously.

LScowboyLS

nah, I realize you can technically replace just the stud, but sometimes the remaining half can be difficult to extract and the threading in the hole where the over-torque situation occurred is often damaged, the strength of the entire unit can often be compromised due to fissures and metal fatigue.

best to just get another undamaged housing at the junkyard as I previously stated, this is not a rare or expensive part

"a word to the wise......"