[s-cars] Thermostat replacement question

[Dave Forgie]

Sean (and Dave D. and Tony):  Thanks for your insights and hints.  I
actually decided not to do the job today (Sunday). 1) I needed to complete
my taxes (May 2 deadline in Canada this year) and 2) I decided that, since
it is my birthday tomorrow, I should buy some new tools (3/8 drive with
extensions and such) for this job.  Sean:  What is the brand of that lovely
set you have (red case)??

Dave F.

Sean Douglas wrote:

> 1. Not sure why you have a paper gasket, only the rubber o-ring is used.
>
> 2. To get to the front bolt, use a long extension with a u-joint. The
> rear bolt can be reached with a small 1/4 drive ratchet and 10 mm
> socket.
>
> Also, don't forget to drain the coolant, the draincock is on the rear
> passenger side of the radiator. There is a nipple there that will accept
> a short piece of garden hose to direct the coolant into a bucket. If you
> don't use a hose, the coolant will spill over a support piece and run
> all over the place, btdt. Also, remove the coolant reservoir cap to let
> air in, or it will not drain. This will get about 75% of the coolant
> out, but some will be trapped behind the t-stat, be prepared for some to
> spill once you pop it out.
>
> Also, getting the t-stat out can be a challenge, because frequently, its
> corroded and stuck to the housing. A small screwdriver, slipped under
> the band can pry it loose.
>
> One more thing, test your new t-stat in boiling water to make sure it
> opens at 87-90 celcius, you don't want to put in a defective t-stat and
> find out after it does not open, btdt.
>
> Sean
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com
> > [mailto:s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com] On Behalf Of Dave Forgie
> > Sent: Sunday, May 01, 2005 12:16 PM
> > To: s-cars
> > Subject: [s-cars] Thermostat replacement question
> >
> >
> > I went out to the garage to change the thermostat and relized two
> > things:
> >
> > 1.  I see a flat paper gasket sticking out the housing.  I
> > have a new O-ring but no flat paper gasket.  What are the
> > chances of re-using that gasket?  (Its Sunday)
> >
> > 2.  Probably more important, I am not sure how to get the
> > upper (front) bolt out.  I can see it but the PS pump is kind
> > of in the way (and I would rather not have to move the PS
> > pump if I can help it).  I would presume that some kind of
> > universal joint and an extension could work. Any hints?  (The
> > lower, rear, bolt seems to be a straight, albeit long, shot.
> >
> > Thanks in advance.
> >
> > In the meantime, I'll clean out the garden shed.  :>(
> >
> > Dave F.
> >
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