Alt Belt & Thermostat replacement - OEM or aftermarket?

[KevinM3]

Hi guys,

My thermostat has a small small leak. I was wondering where I would be able to purchase the part?

I called Mazda Yorkdale and quoted me a $675 for parts and labour. I dropped the phone call immediately..

I've done some research and the procedure seems straight forward - so I may possibly do this myself.

I was just wondering where I can purchase the part - OEM or aftermarket?

Also, Jimmy (Street Performance) has quoted me $130 to replace my Alternator Belt as it has small cracks. He mentioned I should also change that. Would it be cheaper to purchase the part myself and have him install?

Thanks for the help!

[Clifford]

Bought my thermostat from local parts house for about 60 bucks belt and tension pulley for another 60 installed both in about 90 minutes. You have to remove the A/C belt {which is a bitch } I just cut off because the it don't work right now so I will fix it later. You remove the tensioner to get at the thermostat anyway so its a great time to do both .

[KevinM3]

Bought my thermostat from local parts house for about 60 bucks belt and tension pulley for another 60 installed both in about 90 minutes. You have to remove the A/C belt {which is a bitch } I just cut off because the it don't work right now so I will fix it later. You remove the tensioner to get at the thermostat anyway so its a great time to do both .

thanks for the reply. Which store did you purchase from?

I have a 2012 2.5L Sport btw

[Clifford]

thanks for the reply. Which store did you purchase from?

I have a 2012 2.5L Sport btw

Well I am in Brantford so I use Shermans Auto parts and mine is the 2.0 .

So I have no experience with your engine

Im sure you tube would be your friend as far a tutorial goes

[morganc]

An aftermarket stat is no issue. Drain the whole rad, unbolt it from the front of the engine (you may need some wobbly joints to get in there) and just cover any electrical stuff with plastic bags to keep the coolant out. Took me about an hour to do. $130 to change the belt seems steep considering the belt is 15$ from rockauto and only takes 15 mins to chnage if you have the stretch tool. If you don't, however, you'll curse and swear and have to remove the A/C compressor to tease it on Any parts place should have them (crappy tire, parts source), I installed a Gates stat from Rockauto.

[Johns 08 3 GT]

I have never had good luck with aftermarket T-stats. OEM only. That and its only $65 from the dealer. Less from an affiliate dealer.