Thermostat replacement

[dixiebabes]

I know it's probably a doddle of a job, but are there any pitfall's to watch out for. Changing it today and always like to be prepared.

Dix

[wild rover]

Treat with respect as i'm sure you will.It's been a while since i had a sticky bolt, I use copper ease on the rebuild. Sure it will be fine.

[Number 7]

I normally syphon out the header tank, then suck as much as I can from the swan neck outlet before undoing and removing the hose at the thermostat housing end only (shouldn't need to disconnect the other end). Undo the 2 securing bolts and be prepared for some spillage - about 1/3 of a pint. Use a new gasket, especially if the old one is in poor condition. Remember which way round the stat goes, and fit the jiggle pin to the top (unless the stat indicates otherwise). I use blue hylomar to seal the bolts (nothing on the gasket) and have never had a problem. You have to be careful when refitting the housing to make sure that you don't dislodge the stat. Obviously don't overtighten the bolts into the alloy. One all reconnected, I top up the coolant by adding to the swan neck, gently squeezing the top and bottom hoses to force air out. When full replace the swan neck cap. Add a little to the header (around an inch or so visible level) and warm up the car with the header tank cap off until the coolant rises close to the top. Quickly replace cap and continue running the engine until the fan(s) cut in - keep the revs moving to push the coolant around. Check for leaks. Allow to cool and top-up header as required. Good luck.
ETA - use a large syringe for sucking - coolant is not nice stuff to drink!)

[dixiebabes]

Thanks boys. Much appreciated.

Dix

[dixiebabes]

Oh aye just another thing where is it located under the bonnet near the swan neck i presume?

Dix

[E Ponym]

Don't forget to mount it with the jiggle pin at the top.

[dixiebabes]

E Ponym said:

Don't forget to mount it with the jiggle pin at the top.

Will do Russ, Was i right saying its at the end of the swan nec? At work at the mo so cant take a look!

Dix

[Wedg1e]

One trick I use: get a piece of fine wet'n'dry and lay it on a hard FLAT surface. Rub the mating face of the 'stat housing firmly across the paper, you'll probably find it's bowed (you'll see the rubbing marks around the bolt holes first but not evenly across the surface). If it is, keep rubbing until you have an even abraded finish, that way the mating face will be nearer flat and there's more chance of the gasket sealing first go.

[dixiebabes]

Is this where the thermostat sits lads?

[Wedg1e]

dixiebabes said:

Is this where the thermostat sits lads?

Yep. Whip it off

[TVRleigh_BBWR]

You should have some bleed taps on the block, so you can drain from these, just add a but of hose to one to make it easier to capture the fluid.

Get a High Q gasket, one of the composite ones with metal in the middle, they are about £1.50 but worth the extra money.