how easy/hard is it to remove the thermostate?

if i remember its one nut an two allan key bolt cant remember if its the top pipe or the bottom pipe coming out the front of the engine in the center. it aint that bad a job

best is to remove radiator and fan + clutch to allow for better access.

and remove bottom pipe (2 nuts and 1 allen bolt.)

cheers ill have a bash at it later. is the housing at the block end of the lower metal pipe?

cheers ill have a bash at it later. is the housing at the block end of the lower metal pipe?

yes.