[V6-12v] Thermostat lifespan

[Austin Franklin]

Hi Tom,

But...did replacing the thermostat solve the problem?

Regards,

Austin

> -----Original Message-----
> From: v6-12v-bounces at audifans.com [mailto:v6-12v-bounces at audifans.com]On
> Behalf Of Tom Christiansen
> Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2006 12:42 PM
> To: v6-12v at audifans.com
> Subject: Re: [V6-12v] Thermostat lifespan
> 
> 
> Folks,
> 
> Quick recap: It took for ever for the engine in my 1994 90S to warm up
> and I had no heat at the vents. Only in stop & go traffic would the
> engine warm up (in 60-70 deg F (15-20 C) weather).
> 
> I shook the expansion tank cap and it did not rattle. This can be a
> sign of a stuck valve, which, according to several list members can
> cause the system to show the symptoms I describe. A new cap was about
> $6.50 at the dealer so it was worth a try. Unfortunately, it did not
> fix the problem.
> 
> So I replaced the thermostat, which on the AAH/AFC engines can be done
> without removing the timing belt. Here's how I did it:
> 
> 1) Remove belly pan, top engine cover. Drain coolant and dispose 
> of it properly.
> 2) Remove radiator fans to give you more room.
> 3) Remove front plastic cover on engine.
> 4) Remove accessory belt and tensioner.
> 5) Remove timing belt covers. Be careful as the plastic can be 
> rather brittle.
> 6) Remove the coolant hose at the thermostat housing.
> 7) Remove two 10 mm bolts that hold the housing. One is above the
> idler/roller for the timing belt, the other is under the large pulley
> at the top (use a 1/4" drive socket, universal joint, and a short
> extension).
> 8) Wiggle the thermostat housing out from underneath the timing belt.
> 9) Replace thermostat and the O-ring around it.
> 10) Assembly is reverse of removal.
> 
> Remember to bleed the system when you fill it with coolant. Getting
> the thermostat housing out is a real chore as the thermostat gets
> caught on it. But it is possible to get it out (the Bentley Manual
> even says so). It took me around 15 minutes to get it out. 10-15
> minutes to get it back in. The whole procedure took 1.5 hours. Add 30
> minutes for bleeding the system (waiting for the engine to heat up)
> and tool clean-up.I took the time to make sure the timing belt was
> clean and I rotated the engine a couple of revs by hand before putting
> the covers on. Just as a precaution.
> 
> Relevant torques:
> Thermostat housing bolts: 10 Nm
> Accessory belt bolt: 55 Nm
> Bleed screw in the hard coolant line by the EGR valve: 15 Nm
> 
> 
> Tom
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