Since the subject came up recently on the list regarding changing a
thermosthat I thought I'd pass on a recent experience. It was on a Jeep, but
could happen to any car.
When tightening the bolts on the gooseneck I heard a little snap. I took it
apart and found it had cracked on one of the ears. It's made of white
metal.
Purchased a replacement at the dealership ($24 bucks worth). After
installing, it leaked. I figured the gasked was torn or I hadn't cleaned the
surface well enough. Pulled it apart and found cracked ear again. Back to
the dealer and they claimed the crack was caused by overtightening.
Purchased another at "Parts America". This one is only about $8.00 and it's
cast iron.
I figured before I screwed something else up I'd better figure out what caused
the first two to crack. In test fitting the new thermosthat to one of the
cracked pieces I discovered that the metal crown on the thermosthat was just a
hair too tall to fit into the housing and seat cleanly. Therefore,
attempting to tighten resulted in a cracked part. The new cast iron part has
all kinds of room inside and there is no problem at all.
Just brought this up as a precaution for the list. I had never heard of it
before.
And, by the way, the gasket at the dealer was $1.50, at another national
supplier 99 cents. and at an independant supplier 48 cents.
Mark L.
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