Technical Thermostat help

[Most Easterly Pandas]

There is a very slight leak on the thermostate housing on dads Selecta (around the gasket/seal). In order to get it all 100% for Panda camp I thought I'd sort it.

We got a new thermostate housing (inc thermostate) and gasket from Fiat as initially we thought the thermostate had gone, causing mild over heating.

Now I've been warned by my mechanic that the bolts holding the thermostate in place have a tendancy of snapping on removal. Is this true and what can I do to prevent it?

Also, should I change the whole thing, or just the gasket. Of is the old unit reusable? I know you shouldn't really re-use gaskets should one.

I also plan on compleating a coolant change at the same time.

Jon.

 

[Bougainvillea Rosso]

If you're taking it off you might as well replace the whole lot imo. I've only changed one and the bolts didn't snap. No guarantee, but you should be OK if you're careful.

 

[purple haze]

Yep be careful with the bolts....always a new gasket and use a blade to clean off the old one to make a good seal..

 

[petel]

Hello Jon.
Never had a bolt shear when removing a thermostat, though I suppose it could happen.

More important, the thermostat housing is secured by two bolts only. Do not overtighten these or the housing will bow and then it will leak without doubt.

There should be a gasket with the new stat, be extra fussy about cleaning the mating surface on the head and use a smear of Hermetite ( or similar ) on both sides of the gasket.

Rgds, Pete.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Thanks guys.

Got new coolant mixed to right concentraion.

Now going to flush system and change the whole thermostate unit

 

[dave]

if the bolts feel too tight when coming out do 1 turn out half a turn in 1 turn out half a turn in, until its undone this will free of any muck in the thread so they dont get stuck and break

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Right. Arms are currently covered in oil (slight leak on rocker cover gasket, to do another time).

After tarting about trying to be gental in removing the bottom rad hose from the pipe to the pump I decided to give it the big un, and she came off.

Then flushed system (crap everywhere ). Removed coil packs and their housing to gain better access to the thermostate.

Now got thermostate off. Bolts no problem, but the gasket seems to have had better days. A paper type one, so no wonder it was leaking. It seemed to decintergrate when I removed it.

Now going to clean up head and put new one back on and add coolant.

Will try and add pics later.

Just hope all is done for work at 1630 or I'll be back at 2230 tonight finishing it so dad has a car this week

Jon.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Right all done. Slight leak from hose onto thermostate housing at first, but after a few adjestments all is now leak free

Will add pics later as I'm in work in 30 min and filthy so am off for a shower.

Jon.

 

[alterlego]

There is a very slight leak on the thermostate housing on dads Selecta (around the gasket/seal). In order to get it all 100% for Panda camp I thought I'd sort it.

We got a new thermostate housing (inc thermostate) and gasket from Fiat as initially we thought the thermostate had gone, causing mild over heating.

Now I've been warned by my mechanic that the bolts holding the thermostate in place have a tendancy of snapping on removal. Is this true and what can I do to prevent it?

Also, should I change the whole thing, or just the gasket. Of is the old unit reusable? I know you shouldn't really re-use gaskets should one.

I also plan on compleating a coolant change at the same time.

Jon.

You shouldnt use the same gasket... and its very easy to make one, i use a milk box.
cause the last thermostate i changed the gasket was made of paper. One mechanic said to me to a milk box card and make a contour of the thermostate housing with pencil then cut it with scissors and its done... never had a problem. Course if u have instant gasket silicone u can use it in both sides of the paper gasket (try not to put too much silicone or it will go inside the cooling system).
But ist easy to test the thermo in a pan full of boiling water on your kitchen...

mild over heating, could also mean an airlock in the cooling sytem.
Or, like mine, the heater matrix valve dead or leaking and stucked (is this a word) or a snaped cable in the heater control knob.

Cheers
Alterlego

 

[alterlego]

Ups!!!

Gota pay attention to the dates on the posts , and try not to read it diagonally...sorry

Alterlego