95 Camry LE 4cyl Thermostat removal question

[DallasToyo]

Hey guys, I did some searching for the 4cyl DIY but didn't find any. My question is:
How do you remove the bottom bolt from the thermostat housing? What extension do you use?
I used my socket wrench on the top one and it does not fit the bottom one since the A/C unit is stuck in front of it with less than an inch space. I then tried a regular wrench, but it hits the oil filter and won't turn the nut.
I guess what I'm asking is: Is there a certain bent extension I need to fit that little space behind the compressor to get this bolt off? You can look to the left of the oil filter and see how the bottom bolt location.
Thanks for your help!

[Pvt-Public]

Look into gettint a set of universal joints ( http://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece...set-67986.html ) they are sold at most hardware stores.

[Surfslinger]

Dallas, once you figure what tools will work for you, be extremely careful when buttoning it back up. These are two small nuts on small easy to break studs, so be very careful tightening... More like snugging up. Would not hurt one bit adding a little PB Blaster/favorite penetrating oil prior to removal.

FWIW, you could remove the oil filter, cover the area to protect from splashing coolant, do the T-stat, then re-install the filter if the gasket is still sound (might make sure to have another filter handy just in case).

[DallasToyo]

Great advice guys, I'll get the universal joints and remove the oil filter also to ease the installation.
Thanks again,
DT

[Mike Gerber]

I replaced this a few years ago on my 94. I used a stubby 10MM. Worked like a charm.

Also, the suggestion to use a good penetrating oil on the nuts/studs is a good one. I would do it a couple of times for a couple of days before tackling this job.

Mike