Whilst I am waiting for the thermostat to arrive I have made a start on removing the old one.
I have not removed the inlet manifold but I think I may have to.
Drained the system.
Removed the expansion tank and oil dipstick pipe.
Removed the half inch hose on the side of the thermostat.
Removed the bolt holding the thermostat to the block.
Removed the two bolts on the water rail..what a pig.
I can feel the thermostat move but in the short time I gave it, dinner called, I could not pull it out from the block. Not having a new one to hand I am not sure where and if I can lever it.
Is there a knack?
Do I have to remove the hose from the left hand side of the water rail?
To get a real tug do I have to remove the inlet manifold and risk damage to the gasket?
To remove the manifold I take it the rocker cover needs to come off to allow it to come out of the engine apperture and the risk of a rocker gasket.
Golly Gosh..I'm not enjoying this at all..I work on the theory that the least you take off the less you break.
Thanks in advance.
A few weeks ago “Wild Rover” recorded the following shown below in italics. It might help you. If it does I’d like to know about it as I’m contemplating doing this over winter on a similar car.
“Tip based on my experience when removing the coolant rail from the thermostat housing.
Most advice that I have come across, recommends 'removing the 2 bolts attaching the coolant rail to the engine block, then removing the single bolt that attaches the thermostat housing to the engine block'.
I tried this and managed to removing the thermostat housing from the water pump but couldn't remove the coolant rail.
I recommend leaving the housing bolt in, to provide an anchor to remove the coolant rail, then remove the housing bolt (because you can grip the housing with your hands and wiggle it free from the water pump).
Also a mirror under the coolant rail saves a lot of hassle locating the coolant rail mounting bolts)”
Thank you for that!
I removed the two bolts from the rail but never checked to see if the bracket had broke adhesion from the block.
I didn't spend too much time on it but tomorrow pm it will get my full attention.
Many thanks.
Are you following the workshop manual? When I change from standard to PRT I followed the book of words, covering its removal, almost to the letter & that on the advice of a now inactive member.
Following the approved technique can be an anathema to one used to the cavalier methodology, however the book is written to guide the mechanic to work as efficiently (cheaply) as possible.
One eye on the job & the other on the bill/till.
M
I dont have a workshop manual...I must be a cavalier!
No excuses but I only gave it a couple of tugs and it only moved slightly.
I am pretty certain the bracket hasn't broken free from the block as per Wild Rover and kindly related by @Delbourt..
Tommorow pm I will find out.
I may even have a thermostat by then.
A copy of the manual is available from the members library. You can view or download. There are many things of interest, including electrical diagrams & circuits.
M
I found it much easier once I had disconnected the far end of the water rail. You will be fighting it otherwise - i did until i eventually stopped, took a few mins to disconnect its remaining hoses and then its just a loose bit of pipe without any tension that can be pulled out of the way. I was then able to pull out the thermostat housing with only small resistance.
You must replace the thermostat housing's large O rings. Order them now if you havent already got them as it is well nigh impossible to refit this properly with the old ones.
The 2 bits of information above should save you at least an hour of frustration
Thank you. That is exactly the kind of advice I was hoping for.
I am realising firstly the rail bracket is not free of the block. I can tell the stat is original and those bolts have never been undone.
I did think it would be easier if the left hand hose was disconnected and you just confirmed it.
I assumed it came with a new O ring. I have a jar full of O rings from various boilers so fingers crossed!
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