I reported last time that the thermostat job was completed..WRONG! Things are working fine now but here is additional information. Since the service manual is incorrect there are no pictures or explanations on how to install a thermostat. When I removed the old thermostat I installed it the way the original was installed. WRONG! In retrospect the problem was that the old thermostat had dislodged and was not seating properly, hence too much coolant was passing through.
First, the location of the thermostat is on the bottom of the heat exchanger forward of the elbow that is in line with the coolant fill cap. Between the t-stat assembly and the elbow is a 90 degree hose elbow. You need to unbolt the metal elbow below the exchanger, remove the 90 degree hose elbow and the hose on the other end of the t-stat assembly. You now need to remove the t-stat assembly that is bolted to the block. You now have access to the t-stat. The t-stat actually "locks" into the assembly. It needs to be placed in the assembly properly otherwise you will not get an appropriate seal. There is a weep hole that needs to be strategically placed in position. To lock the t-stat in you need a large socket with a rubber material between the socket and t-stat to give you friction and a breaker bar to turn as you apply downward pressure.
The first picture depicts the t-stat top properly seated in lower protruding nib, which is on either side of casing.
The second picture depicts the underside seat of t-stat. notice location of weep hole. This is important.
The third picture shows small rubber piece cut from one of those jar opening rubber mats. Wife was a bit mad that I cut it up. Sorry about it being sideways.
Fourth picture shows large socket with breaker bar. Press and turn. Again, sorry for the sideways picture.
There are some important tips for removing the bolts. You need a good sized mirror, about 6 x 6, Allen wrench sockets 6mm, and a 6mm regular l shape allen wrench, a 13mm box wrench, 1/4 inch drive ratchet, 4" extension and a universal joint. There are two bolts on the heat exchanger that need to be removed to access one bolt on the metal elbow and one bolt on the t-stat housing. There are other incidental tools as well. You also need to drain as much coolant as possible. And by the way, you will be doing all this while looking at your mirror facing up as you work. A perfect fit for someone who is dyslexic Hopefully you will never have to do this, but feel free to contact me for additional info and I can talk you through it.
This is a two man job!! Thanks a million to Brian Beltrami of Gansett Ranger. He has lived through this entire project with me. We are now blood brothers!! :lol:
