Is it recommended to remove the thermostat when doing a coolant flush/change? Iam aware if I dont remove the thermostat, I will only be flushing the radiator and not the block and head.

It seems like it would be a pain to remove the gasket and have to replace it, so how important is it and how much coolant is really left in the engine.
99 GS @ 30,000
thanks

 

I just drained and refilled when my GSR hit 30k.
The owners manual says 45k miles, right?

 

Did mine when it hit my 70K interval

30K.......you'll be fine no sweat, unless you are occurring problems?

 

There's a bolt on the block under the left side of the heat shield. You can remove that instead, and it'll drain the rest of the coolant...ALL OVER THE PLACE! Just make sure you have a big container to catch it all.

 

I am wondering how can i get to that bolt without taking out the headshield

 

you can, I didn't need to. It's a pretty large bolt though if I remember correctly.