2001 Pontiac Montana 2000 Pontiac Montana thermostat replac

Hello John

Well, unless I am looking at the pic wrong, there is no back bolt. . ...it should be two front ones, one on top and one on bottom

I have attached the directions I have.

Also, looks like you may have some recalls on your vehicle. The dealer may fix these for free. Please contact the dealer service department, give them the VIN number of your car and have them check on these to see if they apply to you.

Thermostat Replacement

Removal Procedure

Remove the air cleaner and duct assembly.
Drain the coolant until the coolant level is below the thermostat.

Remove the radiator hose from the thermostat housing.
Remove the thermostat housing bolts and clean any sealer from the bolt threads.
Remove the thermostat housing and gasket.

Remove the thermostat.
Clean the mating surfaces. Installation Procedure

Install the thermostat.

Install the thermostat housing and gasket.
Install RTV sealer (GM P/N 1052366 or the equivalent) to the thermostat housing bolt threads. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
Install the thermostat housing bolts.
Tighten the bolts to 25 mm (18 ft. lbs.) .

Install the radiator hose to the thermostat housing.
Install the air cleaner and duct assembly.
Fill the cooling system.
Inspect the cooling system for leaks. Repair as necessary.

Hello -

Where is Jim Carey when you need him? A contortionist would be nice to have around once in a while.

Are you using one of the attached tool pics?

Without being there it is hard to say. . ..can you come in from the bottom somehow or from one of the sides?

Sometimes using a  inch drive and socket is better than a 3/8's if that is what you are using.

Again, without being there it is hard to say. . ..you could try sending a couple of pics and I can see what I can come up with.