I have a '91 Merc 200 that i am changing out the t-stats and poppet valve in. I removed the lower cowl to get better access. I removed the cover plate of the poppet, screw, washer, rubber diaphram and metal deflector plate. I thought the poppet would be on tension outward. However, the valve is spring loaded inward. When i try to pull the poppet out, it only pulls out about 1/4 inch with tension on it. When i pull it out and let it go, it "springs" back inward toward the block.

How do i get this out?

There is on more plate that has to be removed to access the spring and poppet valve...OPTI