Hi
I'm trying to get the 'stat housing off my 2.0 petrol Mk1 Talbot Express.
I've had a bolt snap on a Peugeot 504, same engine, so I'm worried about making the same mistake again!
So far I've got it up to normal engine temp & soaked it in WD40 , tried both bolts & they're still so tight I'm scared!

Anyone got any advice?

Cheers, Gareth

I use Plus gas as it is a penetrating/release oil and wd40 is not. I usually find a bit of heat helps as well.


Mike

Thanks Mike,
I'll get some Plus-gas & attack it with my propane torch.
Also thinking of a few sharp taps with a hammer and punch once it's hot?
Cheers, Gareth

An impact wrench may be better than a hammer if you have one.


Mike

If you can move it slightly,Pour coke over it Gareth,the cheapest and nastiest you can get.
It's the acid in it,which helps.
Don't get diet coke,just the normal one.
Leave it soak for an hour.

Thanks , just been looking at a worst case scenario , I snap a bolt. The stat is housed in the top of the water pump so its not a head off job. But the water pump is allloy & drilling a steel bolt out would be very difficult. Also the pump looks like a nightmare to change!!

I decided to get the engine fully hot before I tried the bolts again , I used two lengths of dowel & cable ties to crimp the top hose & it didn't get any hotter than normal , 60 deg at most!
Plan B hit them with a hammer & spray penetrating oil!!

Heres what I do / Did on my wifes old MGF (K Series Engine) .......

A. thin blade screwdriver tapped LIGHTLY!!! between the Stat housing & the Engine Block
B. Copious amounts of "PLUS GAS" sprayed into (VERY) small gap made by screwdriver
C. Even MORE "Plus Gas" sprayed onto & Around Bolts..
D. Leave over night to soak into threads
E. Heat Stat Housing& surrounding Engine Block with Blowlamp (NOT the bolts)
F. MORE "Plus Gas" sprayed into gap & on Bolts
G. Fix socket & Ratchet to Bolts
H. "FIRM" Tap Ratchet handle with Hammer
I. Remove Bolts whilst applying EVEN MORE "Plus Gas" to threads that are visible

*Note*
Applying Plus Gas to threads whilst removing them will help lubricate any remaining threads within the Block & make removal easier

Regards

Keith

Hi Keith
Thanks for that. All very detailed & clear. I'd have to buy Plus Gas & a propane / MAP gas tourch.
BUT
I think I've found a cheat though!
I've been reading about Renault 4 thermostats, they fit inside the top hose & I think will just be a snug fit in the hose. I've ordered one , it was under £5 , and I'll see how it goes!
Cheers
Gareth

Renault thermostat arrived today & its a good tight fit in the top hose! I fitted it using a 30mm deep socket to push it up towards the elbow in the hose above the stat housing.
Its back on the van now & I think its warming up OK, a full test drive will check running temp & show up any overheating.
Think I've cracked it.

Road tested & its perfect ( at about 10 deg air temp , light load & flat road) have to see what its like under harder conditions next

Thats good news Gareth, hope it continues to work for you.
I was going to send you a card but left it too late so: HAPPY CHRISTMAS
Thanks for the help earlier on in the year.
Gerry2