As indicated in the title, I have a 1997 Mazda B2300 (2.3L 4-banger). I'm replacing the thermostat and have some questions - mostly dealing with access to the thing.

I had to remove the cooling fan and shroud in order to see what I was trying to do, but I have gotten the housing off and removed the old thermostat. No problem. However, the gasket seems to have fossilized somewhat and will require some serious elbow grease to really clean off of the engine block (and the housing, but I can reach that so it's not really a problem).

I can't reach the block with more than one finger, so I need to take something off - I'd like any suggestions anyone might have. There's an A/C line running right in front of the location, which makes things difficult. I've debated removing the timing cover, but I had trouble forcing it loose and began to wonder if that would really help much, anyway - I need room to get a gasket scraper in there. I'm pondering now taking off the bracket that supports the alternator and the coil packs, which would give me direct access from the passenger side. Crazy idea?

For such a simple-sounding operation, it's starting to look like major surgery just because of the stuff that has to be removed to gain access. Any bright ideas or helpful thoughts?