R33 Thermostat How-to

[kingtube69]

Hi All,

I just wanted to share a few tips I learned recently when I changed my thermostat. This is the second time I'm doing it now

Tools

- 12mm socket

- Ratchet

- Uni Joint and extension

- Hacksaw or angle grinder

- Pliers, long nose, snub nose either will do

Recommendations

- Get a new thermostat housing

Parts

- Thermostat

- Thermostat Housing

- Coolant

- Long bolts or threaded rod the same thread size/pitch as the bolts for the housing/block

Steps

1) Drain the coolant from the radiator - In my case I just removed the lower radiator hose

2) Cover the alternator with a bag to reduce the chance it will get covered in coolant

3) Remove all wiring from in the way - I found this made it much easier to get everything out and back in

4) Unbolt the three bolts from the housing - This is where you will need the Uni joint, and ratchet (will need extensions here too)

*not my image - I borrowed it from Google images because I forgot to take one*

5) Clean the mating face on the block of all old coolant and grime

6) Put a 2mm bead of gasket maker on the housing

7) Fit the new thermostat to the block ensuring the jiggle pin is at 12 O'clock

8) Cut the heads off the two long bolts or use threaded rod and screw it into two of the three bolt holes on the engine block

9) Place the thermostat housing over the two studs

10) In one swift motion place the thermostat housing against the engine block and insert one of the bolts into the blank hole

11) Tighten the bolt to 16-21 Nm as per factory spec

12) Remove one of the fabricated studs and put another bolt in again torquing to spec

13) Repeat step 12 for the final bolt

14) Fill the radiator up and bleed it (plenty of guides online already so I won't bore anyone)

---------------------------------------

I wrote this guide because I had a problem recently when I installed another thermostat. It's very difficult to locate the housing over the thermostat without the gasket maker grabbing it and moving it out of the way.

This is the result of my last attempt

[MrStabby]

Nice write up. Agree that getting the housing on cleanly is a bitch. By the look of your photos i'd say the RB26 is even worse. The idea of using headless bolts as locators is a good one. If I ever have to do this again i might just replace the bolts with studs.

[iruvyouskyrine]

Good idea for sure! Will definitely be doing this next time engine comes out

[kingtube69]

12 hours ago, MrStabby said:

Nice write up. Agree that getting the housing on cleanly is a bitch. By the look of your photos i'd say the RB26 is even worse. The idea of using headless bolts as locators is a good one. If I ever have to do this again i might just replace the bolts with studs.

 

12 hours ago, iruvyouskyrine said:

Good idea for sure! Will definitely be doing this next time engine comes out

Thanks guys!