Creating V4 lower cowl access holes for Tstat housing bolt removal....with pics

[rothfm]

For anyone tackling removing the Tstat housing, I thought I'd post a couple pics of what I did. After reading some posts about what a job this can be, I began trying to remove these. I spend a good part of the day trying to get clearance loosening the lower cowl, and numerous things. A bear of a task

Then I decided to make two 3/4" access holes. This took me 5 mins, and I was able to get the Tstat housing out finally. In my book, definitely worth it. I wish i did this much earlier. I forgot to take pics of them, but Lowes had a great rubber flush-plug that fits in perfect and will be water-tight. After a bit of touch-up spray paint, I will hardly know they are there. And it sure will make getting at them next time SO EASY.

I know, I know...it hurt cutting into my motor...But this is a viable, time saving alternative.

 

[adoseth]

Re: Creating V4 lower cowl access holes for Tstat housing bolt removal....with pics

My 1981 115 is easy, i have had it off twice now,i just use wrenches,no cowling to take off , but hey whatever works

 

[daselbee]

Re: Creating V4 lower cowl access holes for Tstat housing bolt removal....with pics

Adoseth...try it with a bubble back motor. You will see why the holes are necessary.

I happened to have a spare base gasket, so the last one I did, I pulled the powerhead. True!

 

[DargelJohn]

Re: Creating V4 lower cowl access holes for Tstat housing bolt removal....with pics

My solution is an old pair of water muffs. I cut off the loop ends, rounded the ends and slipped pieces of rubber hose onto the forks. Put the forks down in the pan and use the leverage to hold the t-stat housing in place while starting the middle bolt.

 

[boobie]

Re: Creating V4 lower cowl access holes for Tstat housing bolt removal....with pics

I've done the hole and plug trick quite a few times. It works good, especially when you tell the customer the cost to pull the p/h on a bubble back to get at the thermos.