Just picked up a water pump at Autozone and they said i should replace the thermostat at the same time. Is this necessary? Also Ive been told in order to burp the coolant system after the flush i need to pinch one of the hoses to force the coolant into the block, does anyone have a picture of the hose or can help me identifify which it is? thanks

 

matl, as for having to replace the thermostat, you don't have to. But, at the same time, since you are going to be that far into having the system drained, might as well replace it unless it has been replaced in the last 20,000 miles or so. Thermostats are a cheap part and are known for causing issues as they get older (ie, sticking shut in a lot of cases, leading to an overheating condition).

As for the hose to pinch, follow the coolant lines under the hood and find the two that run through the firewall. Those are the ones for your heater core. You can pinch either one of these. All you are doing is forcing all the coolant to flow through the engine block and putting a higher than normal flow through the block. This pushes all the air out of the corners of the engine.

 

I agree about thermostat. Mine failed at 150 000 km and caused me grief.

I have done a full coolant drain and refil, and also changed my water pump.
there is no need whatsoever to pinch hoses, this car does not need and "burping"

Fill the system through the overflow bottle, and run it until it is warm, then top off if needed. I have not had to add a drop since I did my thermostat that way.

 

Great guys thanks for the feedback I'll go ahead and pick a thermostat up also.