My thermostat is stuck OPEN and the car runs between 155 and 170 with the cold weather now so I don't suspect this is good.
I attempted the change today and the Chilton manual says to remove the exhaust crossover. Problem is, there is a solid heating line which prevents the heat shield from being taken off. The book says nothing about taking that off so I don't know if there is a trick to getting the shield out or what. Since I had the bolts off for the shield I tried lifting it to get to the nuts on the stud for the crossover. I think I can get it off that way but with the shape they are in at LEAST one will break.

Are these easily replaceable?

Has anyone successfully changed it without taking the crossover off or by just taking off the heating line?

Thanks,
Aaron

By reviewing the Chevrolet service manual it says to partially drain the coolant system and remove the radiator inlet hose from the water outlet housing. Once that is done you can remove the exhaust crossover pipe. I am guessing the heater pipe you describe is the water inlet hose. Once that is done you should have easy access to the thermostat. If you have any more questions just let me know.

Thanks edson,
The radiator inlet hose would be the large one going from the thermostat housing right? If that's the case, then the solid heating line is different. It runs from the water pump around the engine and to a rubber line that goes to the heater core. This is what is preventing the shield from coming off. Either way, when I get time I'm just going to pull it off as well. The crossover pipe is going to be the hard part because the nuts are so rusted and worn from heat.