V8V thermostat change

[Gazza450]

After 14 years of TVR ownership, I made the change to an Aston Martin V8 Vantage last July. Although I still miss my old Chimaera, I do not regret the change and have really enjoyed the whole Aston ownership experience. It's a weekend toy so I have only covered about 3,000 but have recently noticed that the temperature guage drops to 1/4 on the open road but rises back to 1/2 in traffic. Having followed this forum for several months It looks like the thermostat is shot! The car has a full main dealer service and I'll keep this going but I don't really want to hand over £330 to fit a new thermostat that I can buy for £40. I've bought the new thermostat (from Jaguar) and a new housing gasket from Aston so I am about ready to fit the new unit. I've watched the u tube videos but before I start I just wanted to ask if anyone can advise on whether or not there is any procedure to follow when I top up the coolant, I believe I will lose about 2 litres when I take the housing off. Also can anyone advise on the type of antifreeze I should use. Thanks in anticipation. Cheers G

[DAMIT]

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Neil1300r]

If only someone would create something like a Frequently Asked Questions thread and make it a sticky at the top of the Aston forum page.

[Gazza450]

Thanks for the quick turn round, I looked at FAQs but I don't think it mentions anti freeze type or if the system needs to be bled to avoid air locks.
As I've never seen any reference to issues with air locks, I think I'll go on the basis that it's a simple top up with the Carplan pink stuff after I put it back together.
Cheers G

[Manwhoneverwas]

Page 12.12 of my V8VR owners manual states
Engine Coolant - 50% Water , 50% Havoline OAT

Do Not mix OAT antifreeze with glycol based antifreeze

Page 12.13 of my V8VR owners manual states
Engine Cooling System - 15 Litres

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TEXACO-HAVOLINE-XLC-B2-E...

Hope this helps clarify

Edited by Manwhoneverwas on Friday 1st April 16:18

Edited by Manwhoneverwas on Friday 1st April 16:21

[NAC63]

I have just changed mine as I had the same problem with the gauge only on quarter , I found the rubber seal broken and wrapped around the spring but its quite an easy job. As for the anti freeze I used the pink OAT mixed 50/50 BUT the manual is very confusing as it states DO NOT MIX OAT ANTIFREEZE WITH GLYCOL BASED ANTIFREEZE but the OAT antifreezes are glycol based including the Havoline in the above post.

[Gazza450]

Thanks for the advice, I'll sort out the antifreeze and then it's all systems go!
cheers G

[Gazza450]

Thanks for the advice, I'll sort out the antifreeze and then it's all systems go!
cheers G

[Gazza450]

Just wanted to let you know that I changed the thermostat last week with no problems. Thanks again for your help and advice. Much appreciated

[yourtheguy]

Hi all don't mix the havoline OAT with standard red antifreeze, it will mix but it basically downgrades the OAT to standard A/F the OAT is a for life A/F and should not need changing.
I do know I worked for Texaco and it was the best A/F on the market.