List members, In my previous writing "Cooling System Project(Tools)" I asked about pressure testing the cooling system and got a great response!! Thanks again everyone, esp. Pascal Giasson, for all the details and pics to make my own tester!! And Tabe Johnson for getting the "value driven" ideas flowing! :) Next, I would please like to know about which brands to buy for some coolant parts. And any other important info to keep-in-mind for thermostat/housing/expansion tank replacement. It would be nice to hear your latest experience for buying these coolant system parts. I searched the archives for over an hour now and I couldn't find much. I don't mind paying $, just not for trash parts, because of my time and frustration to redo. Expansion tank: What is the best German brand or OE expansion tank available, Febi/Blisten? Because some of the tanks being produced, are REAL CRAP!! (i.e Jost or Meyle?) The plastic weld seam for the two halves are full of porosity/cracks and I believe WILL fail prematurely as the plastic shrinks with age! Anyone else see that? The OE tank looks very well made (the plastic seam is flawless) but the tank is deteriorating/cracked. BTW who was the OEM? Thermostat housing: What's the best German brand or OE upper and lower thermostat housings available, Behr? Mines cracked on both the upper and lower housing. And the mounting bolts into the head look really bad; thinking besides age it could maybe be cracked from pressure from the bolts rust. Should I get a new thermostat because, this one is original? Again what brand/temp do you recommend, 87C? Think the sensors are OK, I tried to test the Temp2 blue one by Bentley's directions and it seemed to change resistance with temp, but that too was new for me. Maybe I should just buy it anyhow? Does anyone know the EXACT bolt size for the thermostat housing-to-head? Socket head cap screw - Size?, Length?, Pitch? I just need to have everything ready before I get started because this is my only vehicle.
Is there any thing I'm forgetting or need to know to have a successful thermostat/thermostat housing/expansion tank replacement? This job is totally new for me, never replaced any thermostat or housing Vanagon or otherwise. So I appreciate all the advice I can get for parts/brands and application! Thanks in advance Nate
Nate 1990 Flash Silver non GL Orange County, CA |
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