[downplay]

Hi, we have a Cruze with Date 01/13 on the door.
I think it might be an LS? But I see no such emblems.
The VIN is 1G1PA5SH0D7213581

I took it to a mechanic who told me to replace the coolant
overflow tank/lid. This didn't fix anything but I finally
saw fluid around and under the thermostat housing.

How do I find the right parts for this model?

Are there any other issues that I should worry about for
replacing this housing? Common technical difficulties?
O-rings/gaskets, whatever?

You can see some of it in the middle of these pics:

 

[Alex V.]

If the car is an LS it should have the 1.8 non-turbo engine. Is that on the driver's side of the engine?

I've never even beheld a 1.8 with my own eyes, but if it's anything close to the process on the 1.4 turbo it's very easy and not difficult to get the parts.

 

[downplay]

Yes, that is on the driver's side of the engine, I can't identify anything
that looks like a turbo, and I did find a good website for decoding GM
VINs and it does seem to indicate there is no turbo for this configuration
unless I'm missing some obscure code in the engine description which is
somewhat detailed.

I'm pretty sure I found what I need, it looks right, and both major parts
are metal instead of the housing being plastic with a metal thermostat.
I think I've got this one now.

Any suggestions or important tips would still be appreciate though! I've had
great luck being my own mechanic but, of course, it is impossible to foresee
the little details with so little experience.

https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-Solut...automotive&vehicleId=1&vehicleType=automotive

 

[ChevyGuy]

If the engine is a 1.8 (only available on the LS model), it's non-turbo.
If the engine is a 1.4 (It may have been an option for the LS), it's a turbo.

You might try looking for the part on gmpartsdirect.com

 

[mikestony]

Hope this helps a little...hope you can see it

 

[downplay]

Thanks guys, I already ordered a Dorman part kit including the housing, thermostat, and seal for in between--all together.

I'm pretty sure it is the right one. I am happy about the idea of replacing the plastic thermostat housing with metal so I'll
have a metal to metal connection between housing and thermostat. Plastic to metal seems like a design flaw to me, especially
for such a mission critical part exposed to such temperature extremes.

If I figure out anything doing the work that I think might help anyone else, I'll post it.

 

[downplay]

I've gotten everything replaced. The Dorman part I put a link to above on Amazon
fit just right.

BUT, there is some kind of hose that goes into the top, vertically, and I BROKE IT removing it.

It is different than all the other hoses. It is much small
in diameter. Instead of fitting on the outside and having a clamp on the outside,
this hose fits inside the bit of tube sticking out of the housing and is secured with
some kind of pressure fitting and a gasket. It then snakes across the top of the
engine and goes into a slightly larger hose with a clamp on the outside. What
is this hose called so I can buy one!?!

 

[enriqueprince40]

In your experience, what is your opinion of the Droman thermostat?

 

[knightp25]

get an aluminum thermostat housing, the factory plastic ones were notorious to go bad