Mildly annoyed, spent all that time fighting with the alternator that's been on the car for 26 years, got it off, only to discover that there is no possibly way I was getting a wrench onto that thermoswitch to get it out and to get the FC one in.

I did notice, however, that behind the alternator, there was a bright blue plug that was just there, all by itself, with no home to go to. Anyone have any idea where that one belongs? The car is an auto, if that helps.

Any ideas on how that thermoswitch is supposed to be removed without pulling the thermostat and waterpump housing?

 

The bright blue plug sounds like the California EGR plug that everyone else asks about.

It's been several years, but IIRC I was able to start the switch just a fraction of a turn at a time, then it spun off pretty much by hand. If you must, remove the temp sender too.

 

Remove the vacuum lines and water temp sensor to get more room. Its tight but you can get in there with 17 and 19mm combination wrenches. Make sure you replace the oring and sealing washer.