2006 Saab 9-3 2.8L Thermostat replacement questions

[icysaab]

My mechanic told me I need to replace my thermostat, but quoted me $450 (parts&labor). I figured although I'm not too handy this could be a DIY project.

I found the part I need here: https://www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/340...-82C-12597258/

and I found an instructional video (although just for the 2.0L not the 2.8L aero) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-MaEDng2Lk


I have a couple questions for the guru's and experts out there.

1) In the instructional video it shows the replacement of just the thermostat (not the housing). Is there any reason that I should be replacing the entire housing, and not just the thermostat unit?

1a) If it's just the actual thermostat unit (not of the metal tubing it sits in), does anyone know where I can buy a thermostat without the housing unit?
(it would be something like this I presume: https://www.autozone.com/cooling-hea...254_1632_93207
but that doesn't fit my particular model)

2) I'm confused on the gasket (AKA O-ring). here it shows available an 0-ring for $20 https://www.amazon.com/Saab-06-09-Th.../dp/B00ALLOPOU
Is there any reason I need to buy this? Does the thermostat I'm purchasing come with it's own gasket?

3) Any other bits of advice in doing this procedure? I've heard both pro's and cons on flushing all the coolant vs. just removing enough to not make a mess. I'm looking for the easiest way to replace the thermostat, wasting coolant etc. I couldn't care less. Any thoughts are appreciated.

I'm a bit of a newbie but I'm slowly getting involved in doing my own repairs and this forum has been invaluable and I'm loving it. So thank you all that contribute.

[Digger]

If the thermostat housing on your engine looks like the eeuroparts picture it is an integral thermostat and you replace as an assembly. New "O" rings are optional and strongly recommended.

[Philsaab93]

Hi
There are 3 bolts on the thermo stat Houseing the top is plastic mine had no gasket

Euro parts £12 comes with the sealing ring
Before buying a new one test the one you
Have

Remove it frome its housing
Hang it on 2 pieces of string
Boil a pan of water dip the stat into the water.. make the top half is out but with wAter in it

After a little while the stat should open if the water runs out the top it was working
But you may as well replace it
As its out