Thermostat Housing Removal

[Erik]

I went out to my boat the other day and tried to remove the thermostat housing. I removed the two nuts fore and aft and then tried to remove the housing. The thing wouldn't budge at first, but then wiggled and lifted along the front edge. The problem is that no matter how much leverage I use the housing won't come up - it seems to be stuck along the aft edge - the front edge lifts. I am thinking that the aft bolt and housing are rusted..or am I missing something obvious - is there another attachment in addition to the two nuts/bolts? Any thoughts/suggestions?

[gregquirk]

Just took mine off today. There are only the nuts on the two studs, no other attachment. Patience and WD 40 are the key to success. I was able, like you, to get the front loose but the aft portion of the housing was stuck. Then I sprayed and tapped and lifted lightly. Finally the rust between the housing and the aft stud broke free and I was able to move the housing up over the studs by gently prying fore and aft with a flat bladed screwdriver. Good luck.