Low Temp. Thermostat Install

[blinkwatt]

http://www.lnengineering.com/lowtemperaturethermostat.html

How hard is it to install? Any special tools required? How much time for a newb to install one?

[ddb]

Blinkwatt,

I installed one a few weeks ago and it was quite easy. It was harder getting the car properly positioned on jack stands than removing and replacing the thermostat. I was replacing a bad water pump so I had already drained the coolant which made it easier. If you haven't replaced your coolant (I hadn't) this is a good time to do so. The thermostat actually comes installed in a new housing and it comes with a new gasket. Since installing mine I've been monitoring coolant temperatures via the ac diagnostics and running between 178 -185 F while moving down the road.

Go for it!


ddb

No special tools needed. There's 4 or 5 bolts that get torqued to 7 ft. lbs. if I remember correctly.

Once the coolant is drained it shouldn't take more than 30 minutes to remove and replace the thermostat. Of course it probably took me more time, but I'm old and slow.

[Jake Raby]

The install is the EXACT SAME as the stock thermostat... The only PITA about the whole job is bleeding the cooling system.

Every engine I complete gets the low temp thermostat and both my Boxster and 911 have one. They work... I have the data, collect it every day.

[jmatta]

I can second the simple install process. My Box had 15k miles on it and was seven years old when I decided to upgrade the t-stat (coolant needed to be changed anyway). It honestly took longer to raise the car up and drain the old coolant than it did to replace the t-stat.

I removed the drain plug on the bottom and let it drain for about 20 minutes (be certain to open the coolant tank cap). The big hose that needs to be pulled from the old t-stat drains A LOT of coolant, so be prepared. The bolts holding the stat came right out and are pretty easy to get to.

When replacing the t-stat, be very careful of the mating surfaces; there should be no old gasket material (mine came right off in one piece). Fill her up with OEM coolant and distilled water 50/50 blend and bleed. I simply drove around for a couple days with the bleeder valve open, topping occasionally ubntil the level quit falling.

Car now runs cooler and is happy with new coolant. Thanks Jake and Charles!

[Sputter]

It looks nice with the tan interior. Clearly you look after the paint too.

Originally Posted by jmatta

I can second the simple install process. My Box had 15k miles on it and was seven years old when I decided to upgrade the t-stat (coolant needed to be changed anyway). It honestly took longer to raise the car up and drain the old coolant than it did to replace the t-stat.

I removed the drain plug on the bottom and let it drain for about 20 minutes (be certain to open the coolant tank cap). The big hose that needs to be pulled from the old t-stat drains A LOT of coolant, so be prepared. The bolts holding the stat came right out and are pretty easy to get to.

When replacing the t-stat, be very careful of the mating surfaces; there should be no old gasket material (mine came right off in one piece). Fill her up with OEM coolant and distilled water 50/50 blend and bleed. I simply drove around for a couple days with the bleeder valve open, topping occasionally ubntil the level quit falling.

Car now runs cooler and is happy with new coolant. Thanks Jake and Charles!

[blinkwatt]

You didn't bleed the coolant right after?