Thermostat Replacement - would you?

[StuM]

Hi All,

As you may know, I'm in the process of replacing the coolant in my 1985 1.9DG-engined panel van. I happen to have a new (VW) thermostat in a box in the shed. Now, I'm not aware of there being a problem with the existing one (although I have a weird temp guage that has a starting position of the needle being out of sight way over to the left and that even after being stuck in heavy traffic only goes up to half... never any red lights though) so am wondering whether it is worth sticking the new one in whilst the system is drained - I don't want to have to fork out for the pricey coolant anytime soon.

Is replacing the thermostat a tricky/irritating job?

My replacement has no o-ring, so do VW still stock these?

Would you do the 'stat now, or are they generally ok and unlikely to fail if currently working?

Thanks in advance all.

Cheers,
Stu

[1664]

Don't fix what ain't broke..................

Needle should be right over on the left when cold and the fan cuts in just past half way

[StuM]

Don't fix what ain't broke..................

Needle should be right over on the left when cold and the fan cuts in just past half way

That is what I wanted to hear! Thanks

[Ian Hulley]

Yep, depending on the type of housing (early metal or late plastic) you're tempting snapping off a stud, having those crappy captive nuts turning or the little bolts shearing off.

Ian

[StuM]

Thanks Ian - I'll leave those worms in their can