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ThermoStat assembly

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by DanStew, May 31, 2009.

  1. DanStew

    DanStew Preowned Merkin salesman Staff Member

    OK, so i got the thermostat retainer that is supposed to be used with the L-head.

    My question is what is the sequence?

    The retainer is flat on the bottom and angled in at the top.
    [​IMG]
    If i put the retainer inside the thermostat housing with the angled portino to the top, you would thing the bottom would hold down the thermostat, but it doesnt.
    [​IMG]

    If i put the retainer angled side down, it would hold the thermostat in place, but i would have to trim the retainer a bit, unless it will compress to allow the housing to sit flat to the block to seal.
    [​IMG]

    Ir do i put the thermostat inside the water next, then hold it in with the retainer, kind of like the PO did with the exhaust pipe "retainer" they originally used on the motor.

    If anyone can point me to the correct sequence of assembly, that would be great, then all i have to do is find a new radiator :(
     
    DanStew, May 31, 2009
    #1
  2. w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    The way you have it pictured is correct Dan.
     
    w3srl, May 31, 2009
    #2
  3. DanStew

    DanStew Preowned Merkin salesman Staff Member

    whic picture? One or two? The retainer is flipped.
     
    DanStew, May 31, 2009
    #3
  4. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Heh. He has it pictured two ways.

    I wish I could help... R)
     
    timgr, May 31, 2009
    #4
  5. w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    The bottom pic, sorry. The retainer holds the T-stat down into the flow of coolant in the head.

    The other workaround is to use two gaskets, and sandwich the t-stat in between them. This achieves the same result, but it might not hold up for the duration.
     
    w3srl, May 31, 2009
    #5
  6. DanStew

    DanStew Preowned Merkin salesman Staff Member

    Thanks guys
     
    DanStew, May 31, 2009
    #6
  7. sammy

    sammy Coca-Cola?

    Way to delete the pictures Dan...


    Ok, say one didn't have a retaner, is it necessary ?
     
    sammy, Jun 7, 2009
    #7
  8. DanStew

    DanStew Preowned Merkin salesman Staff Member

    it is necessary, the thermostat will pop out and up. especially if you hit some bumpy terrain. I guess it wont hurt anything since it cant go into the motor or up in the hose.
     
    DanStew, Jun 7, 2009
    #8
  9. sammy

    sammy Coca-Cola?

    Would it be insane and impossible to make my own?
     
    sammy, Jun 7, 2009
    #9
  10. Walt Couch

    Walt Couch sidehill Cordele, Ga. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    As said before, would be easier to capture t-stat between two gaskets.
     
    Walt Couch, Jun 7, 2009
    #10
  11. DanStew

    DanStew Preowned Merkin salesman Staff Member

    You could, that is what the previous owner of my jeep did with some exhaust tubing. He got a piece of tubing that was a little larger, then slit it down the side to make it fit. The retainre was like $8. i jsut decided to go stock, easier to remove.
     
    DanStew, Jun 7, 2009
    #11
  12. DanStew

    DanStew Preowned Merkin salesman Staff Member

    heck you could probably goop it with RTV to glue it .The fiver gasket would work but i can see it getting weak from age and pressure and the thermosttat would rip out.
     
    DanStew, Jun 7, 2009
    #12
  13. sammy

    sammy Coca-Cola?

    Yes, but, durability is in question then.
     
    sammy, Jun 7, 2009
    #13
  14. johnny quest

    johnny quest Member

    hey Dan, think you could post up the 'correct' assembly pic?? ill be doin this tomorrow and would rather do it right the first time

    thanks in advance
     
    johnny quest, Jun 8, 2009
    #14
  15. DanStew

    DanStew Preowned Merkin salesman Staff Member

    I deleted it actually, but you put the thermostat in the head, and place the retainer into the water neck with the angle part on the bottom. When you tighten down the water neck the tabs will bend inward so you can bolt it down flush, and it captures the thermostat so it doesnt move.
     
    DanStew, Jun 8, 2009
    #15
  16. johnny quest

    johnny quest Member

    ok so itll look something like this??

    | |
    \ /

    and then the spring side of the t-stat goes into the head, correct??

    also any idea what the volume of the whole system is?? i know ive gotta do 50/50 coolant/water
     
    johnny quest, Jun 8, 2009
    #16
  17. DanStew

    DanStew Preowned Merkin salesman Staff Member

    Yup .like that. Not sure bout the amount of fluid. I usually get the pre mixed stuff than add water if i do not fill it up. But thats me.
     
    DanStew, Jun 8, 2009
    #17