no the timing gear does not have to be removed this job is a pain in the bum so to speak, what you need is a ratchet 3/8 drive a small extension and a 14 torx socket. There are two torx bolts holding the thermostat together and unfortunately because of the position it is in the bottom bolt is all by touch and feel to find it follow the housing around with your fingers and you'll feel it there at the bottom then put the socket and extension on first holding it in position then attach the ratchet to the extension then take it off. The top bolt is relatively easy to get at. Once removed and you put the new one in put the top bolt half way in then proceed to put the bottom bolt in once again by touch and feel and hope you get it in and you will ya just gotta have a few goes at it and a little patience. You'll get there, i have done this before!!
GM TECHHow do you change thermostat on Meriva 54 1.6 petrol 8v?havent got a clue sorryHow do you change thermostat on Meriva 54 1.6 petrol 8v?find the thermostat housing, ( usually the radiator hose( ( top one) goes from the radiator to the housing that holds the thermostat , drain some of the coolant out -into a bucket, and remove the bolts that hold the housing to the engine, then remove the housing, clean off the gasket, then replace the new thermostat and gasket, bolt it back to the engine, ( use some gasket sealer ) silicone , then fill radiator back up, run enging to make sure there are no leaks and when the thermostat opens make sure the cooling system is full of coolant/water mix ( 50/50)
