Re: [T3] New style thermostat

[Jim Adney <jadney@vwtype3.org>]

On 11 Aug 2003 at 2:29, David V.N. wrote:

> From: "Jim Adney" <jadney@vwtype3.org>
 
> > On 10 Aug 2003 at 23:49, David V.N. wrote:
> >
> > > After using the"squish,plug and release" method to check the thermostat,
> > > I determined that it was time for a new one. I ordered it from Wolfgang
> > > Intl.
> >
> > Not familiar with this method. Please explain.
> 
> Remove the suspect.
> Squeeze 'em.hold finger over top hole.
> Release!  If he "unsqueezes",he's toast.

This won't work the way you're thinking. That top hole is just a blind tapped 
hole for the thermostat connecting rod; it doesn't go thru into the center (or 
at least it's no supposed to.)

> > > I received a funky looking replacement however.From what i can
> determine,
> > > it's the new fangled kind.(outside spring).I'm not sure how I should set
> it up.
> >
> > Outside spring? I haven't seen new ones in a long time either. What have
> they changed?
> 
> Gold colored.about the same overall length as original.Same part number on
> box lid.
> Spring wound on the outside like a coilover shock.It seems to expand very
> well in a pan of boiling water.Linear expansion.

Interesting. The spring is probably there to make sure the thermostat expands 
if the bellows chamber springs a leak. I always thought the OE ones were 
designed to work that way, but Bob Hoover had some counterexamples.

It always struck me that opening on failure was the ONLY fail safe way for 
these to work. Anything else could destroy an engine.

I guess this is a good time to remind everyone to get out and LOOK at their 
thermostat occasionally when the engine is hot. The thermostat should be 
expanded fully up to the top of its mounting frame. Likewise, you should check 
the thermostat occasionally when cold to verify that its top has pulled down.

-- 
Jim Adney
jadney@vwtype3.org
Madison, WI 53711-3054
USA

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