Thermostat Question

[alombardi]

1984 6HP Sailmaster<br /><br />I removed the cover to the Thermostat and there wasn't any. I purchased a new thermostat with it's washer and a new housing gasket. But when I put the thermostat into the motor, there doesn't seem to be anything holding it in. I put it in spring side first and it nests nicely in the housing but the end facing me has nothing to hold it in because there is clearance between it and the cover. Is this right? or should there be a spring holding the thermostat in the engine when the cover is on?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[rabidfish]

Re: Thermostat Question

The spring goes between the cover and the thermostat, holding it into the engine block.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Thermostat Question

You are correct on the placement, the spring side of the thermostat, also called the sensor element end, goes into the cylinder head housing where it is in contact with the cooling water.<br /><br />Like Rabidfish posted, there is a large coil spring that holds the thermostat in place until the water pressure is great enough to lift the t'stat off its seat. It is part #328051

 

[alombardi]

Re: Thermostat Question

O.k. so let me get this straight, unlike in an auto, after you put the thermostat in, you have to add another spring before putting the housing cover back on?

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Thermostat Question

YUP! It is a pressure relief spring. When you ordered you parts, the dealer should have showed or told you all the items that you needed.

 

[alombardi]

Re: Thermostat Question

I just called and ordered it. Unfortunately when I took the cover off for the first time there wansn't any thermostat. So I didn't know what I needed to order. I told the parts guy that the thermostat was missing but he never asked about the spring and just ordered the thermostat, gasket and rubber washer. Anyway, thanks for the insight, I'm all set now.