Thermostat stuck to engine

[grantmiller1]

I'm doing the whole timing belt, water pump, etc work and I've got a new thermostat to install as well, so I figured what the hell and decided to replace that as well.

I was able to remove the thermostat housing without too much problem, but the thermostat is stuck to the engine. It looks like the gasket has decided to act as a glue for the thermostat. I've tried using a little bit of force, but it's not coming off.

I'm trying to be careful to not damage the area around the thermostat as that's all part of the intake manifold.

Any ideas? Beat it with a hammer until it comes out?

Thanks

[e30davie]

Wedge a screwdriver in the hole in the thermostat at the top there and just lever it off. Its only stuck on cause of the grime that has built up over the years.

[ThatOneEuroE30]

Ive just smacked there very tip of it with a dead blow. Works every time.