thermostat housing cover bolts

[edwardoh]

hiya

i've got 3 bolts on my stats housing cover - all 10 mm

looking down on the stat - top bolt - doable with a small socket -

bolt to left - awkward and fidddly - but can remove with a deep socket -

bolt underneath - next to multi plug - impossible! cant get a spanner or socket round it -

 

hard to get at - n looks well brown n rusty -

 

have others had this problem? any advice? worth trying lift car up and to go from underneath - past the starter motor - to get the last bolt out?

hints on removing rusty bolts?

 

all suggestions gratefully received

 

an otherwise smooth running - 1996 1.8 lx td escort

[Stu]

They're all pretty easy to get to?

 

http://di.cx/gallery/d/8050-2/zeetny_001.jpg

[reid]

that what i was thinking stu

[sortedford]

Read it guys! its a derv.

[SteveB]

hiya

i've got 3 bolts on my stats housing cover - all 10 mm

looking down on the stat - top bolt - doable with a small socket -

bolt to left - awkward and fidddly - but can remove with a deep socket -

bolt underneath - next to multi plug - impossible! cant get a spanner or socket round it -

 

hard to get at - n looks well brown n rusty -

 

have others had this problem? any advice? worth trying lift car up and to go from underneath - past the starter motor - to get the last bolt out?

hints on removing rusty bolts?

 

all suggestions gratefully received

 

an otherwise smooth running - 1996 1.8 lx td escort

 

Get a cheapo 1/4" drive socket set. The sockets are much smaller in diameter and will probably fit.

[Stu]

Read it guys! its a derv.

 

A veeeeeeeeerrrrrrry good point!!

[edwardoh]

have tried to get a quarter inch drive -

still cant get to it -to the bolt

 

and a flexi ratchet and a tbar -

so far - no joy -

 

to give u all an idea -

 

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj89/arseynal/Image028.jpg

 

infamous 3rd bolt - is theo ne down by the multiplug the bottom that you cant see or get to easily -

 

come on you big diesel geezers - whats the best way of shifting the awkward bolt?

[edwardoh]

sorted -

 

ok - maybe basic for some of you - but a learning curve for me -

 

changing a thermostat on a 1.8 ford secort td lx - 1996 mode -

 

1. Disconnect earth lead (minus sign) from battery - I wrap a thick cloth round the terminal just to make sure nothings going to touch - while i work on the car -

 

2. Follow top hose from radiator to thermostat - will see that it is difficult to get to - take this hose off from the thermostat end - using long nosed pliers to squeeze clip and move away up the hose - then pull off - having first put down thick cloths over starter motor and solenoid - which are directly underneath the stat -

 

3. 3 10mm bolts hold the black plastic stat cover on. Undo the more accessible top and r/h side bolts - using 3/8ths - small socket set - fiddly - but doable - 3rd bolt underneath - required repeated generous soaking with wd - and a lot of patience to shift -

 

 

4. Some anti freeze will gush out as stat housing cover comes off - take out old stat - and put in new - will only fit in one way - then make sure both surfaces clean -and renew black sealing ring that comes with new stat (just slip over new stat) - i didnt bother with the paper gasket jobbie - just put a thin smear of sureseal on both parts - before tightening up the 3 bolts again -

 

 

5. Haynes has torque wrench settings to put bolts back with - 18nm 13lbs ft - i just tightened them up quite tight - stuck on a new expansion tank filler cap - and refilled w antifreeze - up to max mark on expansion tank - refitted hose - refitted 10mm earth battery lead - started engine - and let run to 'operating temperature'. Heater set on full and squeezing top hose to minimise chance of an air lock.

 

 

6. No leaks after 15 minutes - then watch with pleasure as temp gauge moves up to normal - (a first!) - and warm air comes throught the system - (a first!) - what a treat on cold wintry mornings from now on - well worth the time/frustration/kicked tyres/internet ramblings/cold drive/smelling of anti freeze/new curses - and grazed knuckles!