Bought a uprated thermostat off flea bay, is it supposed to be sealed with a gasket (which it didn't come with) or is the rubber seal that is on it all that is needed?

 

The rubber seal is all that is needed

 

The o-ring seal on your old one might be reusable (if you can't buy them on their own, that is)...

 

Thanks a lot chaps!

 

Just remembered... there's also that "Z"-shaped bit of rubber seal too - make sure you retain that as well!

 

e1bg1, I have my old o-ring from when I changed my water pump/stat. The o-ring is in perfect condition - that way if yours turns out to be knack'd then you can use mine. Send me your preferred del. address by PM or email and I'll post it to you...

I don't have that "Z"-shaped seal though, so make sure you retain that from your exisiting stat after you remove it!

 

Thanks a lot Joz Very nice of you fella. Well I changed it! and guess what? there was no thermostat on the car? why would this be?
Now I have the brand new one in, the bottom radiator pipe is cold? could be a airlock or is it poss the therm is knackered?
Was going to check it before i fitted it as well ffs!

 

Have you burped the system to ensue no air leaks?

Also, why an uprated thermostat? Does it open at a higher temperature?

 

I think the uprated 'stat' opens at a lower temp (74 IIRC) and removal of a OE stat would indicate a previous issue that they've dealt with by removing the stat, it probably failed/stuck closed.
And I have the same issue of the bottom hose remaining cool/cold most of the time, it's been like that all the time I've had the car, the engines been out , I've checked the OE stat and it opens as it should the car doesn't over heat and I believe it's bled through OK temp gauge reads a solid 'halfway' and stays there so I'm assuming it's just a trait of the car rather than a problem.

 

If his uprated one is the inevitable Zero Sports one, then it opens at 71C rather than the OEM's 78C.

e1bg1, are you saying you don't need me to send that seal, as you've already fitted your stat?

 

Yeah sorry Joz, have fitted it so don't require the seal. All seems OK , and yes it opens at 71 degrees rather than 78 degrees P.S love your avatar

 

Ahhh, no worries mate - glad it appears to be sorted.