How accessible are the Thermostat and the temperature sensor in the EA81 engine? Would they be really easy to replace, or would you have to take a bunch of stuff apart?

4/10 on both items.  On non turbo ea81 without power steering most home mechanics that are a step or two above oil changes can do it.  Drain coolant, remove tstat housing from end of upper radiator hose with 2 12mm head bolts, clean surfaces, install new parts and refill with coolant.  I avoid Stant or cheap aftermarket tstats on all Subaru's.

Just finished putting  a 'stat in my 84 turbo wagon.

 

You really want to spend the $22++ dollars to get a Subaru original 'stat.

 

Very big difference in size of opening and much heavier construction.

 

Much like my four way bypass and cow valve.

 

Priceless  !!

 

Alan

Here are pics of the 'stat differences.

 

As you see, worth the money  !!

T-stat removal is fairly simple, the hardest part is working around the hitachi emissions b.s., the coolant temp sensor is very easy just a removal of the wire and the right size socket. Also it's a good Idea to get o.e.m or Stant exactstat, there are after markets that work, but they tend to be problematic.

Thanks for the help, but what does "stant" mean?

Stant is a brand of thermostats, their cheap ones suck, like Shawn mentioned, but they have a new line of EXact stats that are made to OEM specs.

any tips on finding the subaru thermastat, i feel like i change mine annually.

Bot mine from the local Subie dealer.  $22.++

 

Alan