1987 V4 Crossflow Bubbleback Thermostats

[Solittle]

The brain cells are getting fewer and fewer as the years go by. Anyway are there any tips on how to compress the relief valve springs when installing a new thermostat assembly for this engine? Also I remember something about something that needs to be notched but forget what.

And while we are at it I could use some tips on how to align the shift rod pin/screw to the hole at the top of the shift rod when I put he thing back together - going to do water pumps to..

Believe it or not I did this job a few years ago - but then I was drinking - now that I'm not I don't remember - - I hope nobody recommends that I go back to the bottle.

 

[OBJ]

Re: 1987 V4 Crossflow Bubbleback Thermostats

The springs can be a cusser......a good idea is to use rubber bands to hold the t-stat housing together while your trying to get all this stuff in there. Once you got the bolts in place, just cut the rubber bands and remove them.

If you got BRP t-stats, the disc on top will not be vented. I take a dremmel tool with a cut wheel and put a small notch in them. This is to make sure they vent and will open. The Sierra stats are usually already vented.

A long pair of needle nose pliers can be used to twist the shift rod around to line up with the shift lever. I usually grab the shift rod right under the pan where the shift rod comes up.

 

[Solittle]

Re: 1987 V4 Crossflow Bubbleback Thermostats

Thanks OBJ - You mentioned that the springs can be a cusser but you did not share the majic words of cussin - - or what you do to get them in. Help??? Do you drop the lower cover to give you more access? I did not have to drop the cove to get the assembly out.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: 1987 V4 Crossflow Bubbleback Thermostats

I assemble the whole thing,with gaskets using type "M" or what ever they call it this month,and hold it together in a vise or with bolts and nuts until the sealer sets.Then I set the springs into the exhaust housing,and finagle the 'assembly' in place.Push it all in with a large screw driver to hold it in place,and put in the screws.

DHP

 

[OBJ]

Re: 1987 V4 Crossflow Bubbleback Thermostats

I've found it helpful to put the two outside bolts in the assembly before finagling (good word DHP) the assembly in place. Once the outside bolts are screwed in a little, this will hold the whole thing in place. Good idea with the Adhesive M DHP. That stuff is like glue.