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Author Topic: Changing rocker covers, do thermostat too?  (Read 3254 times)

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Paul M

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Changing rocker covers, do thermostat too?
« on: 20 January 2007, 13:10:58 »
I am planning on changing my rocker covers at some point, and was thinking that since 90% of the bits that are in the way of the thermostat will already be removed, how much extra work will it be to do that job at the same time?

My 'stat has been opening too early since I got the car (gauge sits around 80 degrees on the motorway during winter), it's a mild annoyance that I'd have immediately sorted on any other car, but GM have been incredibly successful in making this the most hideously designed engine ever from a maintenance standpoint so I didn't bother.

Maybe now's the time? I just want to know how much extra work is involved once all the inlets etc are off, and how long it's likely to take.
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Re: Changing rocker covers, do thermostat too?
« Reply #1 on: 20 January 2007, 20:05:59 »
as 90% of the bits in teh way will have been removed, I would change the stat at this point.  I have not done this job before but, as far as I can tell, not that much extra work will be required.

At least then you will have a stat that operates correctly and you won't have put the plenum etc back on and then wished that you had changed it.
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TheBoy

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Re: Changing rocker covers, do thermostat too?
« Reply #2 on: 20 January 2007, 20:07:37 »
I would change it, though not sure how.  I seem to recall there is a fiddly pipe to remove...
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Chopsdad

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Re: Changing rocker covers, do thermostat too?
« Reply #3 on: 20 January 2007, 20:12:33 »
Parts are inexpensive so I'd change it whilst you're there  :y
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Paul M

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Re: Changing rocker covers, do thermostat too?
« Reply #4 on: 20 January 2007, 21:12:32 »
Cheers guys, it does seem like the sensible thing to do (along with the HBV which I've already purchased).

It would be good if someone (Mark? ;)) could state what extra work is required on top of a rocker gasket change, how long it's likely to take, and if there are any special tools required.
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Marks DTM Calib

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Re: Changing rocker covers, do thermostat too?
« Reply #5 on: 22 January 2007, 08:41:57 »
Extar work level can vary from 15 mins to.....quite a while.

There is the B@stard bolt to remove (not that hard actualy) and the bridge pipe to split before the stat is removed (it can stick and require a bit of work to free it off, this is the variable bit).

Stats are not that cheap although a plcae on ebay is selling the up-graded items with the better seal....what they dont do is provide the longer bolts required!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vauxhall-thermostat-Assy-Calibra-Cavalier-Vectra-Omega_W0QQitemZ200055994308QQihZ010QQcategoryZ10404QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
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Gwilym

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Re: Changing rocker covers, do thermostat too?
« Reply #6 on: 22 January 2007, 11:11:38 »
Quote
I would change it, though not sure how.  I seem to recall there is a fiddly pipe to remove...


Yes. I can confirm it is a very fiddly pipe
« Last Edit: 22 January 2007, 11:11:55 by Gwilym »
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Paul M

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Re: Changing rocker covers, do thermostat too?
« Reply #7 on: 22 January 2007, 11:55:41 »
This sounds like it's going to be quite a job :O

What's involved in removing said "fiddly pipe"... any special tools required, or just brute force and lots of expletives?

BTW Mark is that new stat housing just a bolt-on replacement with the correct bolts? Do you know the spec of them? I'm assuming I can just pick some up from B&Q or wherever.

Cheers.
« Last Edit: 22 January 2007, 11:56:56 by Paul_M »
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Marks DTM Calib

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Re: Changing rocker covers, do thermostat too?
« Reply #8 on: 22 January 2007, 12:04:24 »
Its a bolt on replacement.....just requires longer bolts (torx head) as the casting is thicker...and dont forget you need some sealent on the threads to stop water leaks (the bolt holes go into a water passage).
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Glenn

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Re: Changing rocker covers, do thermostat too?
« Reply #9 on: 22 January 2007, 13:49:45 »
Paul, just a little note, these things don't have "rockers" so we tend to call them cam covers  ;D
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Markie

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Re: Changing rocker covers, do thermostat too?
« Reply #10 on: 22 January 2007, 15:03:26 »
Quote
Extar work level can vary from 15 mins to.....quite a while.

There is the B@stard bolt to remove (not that hard actualy) and the bridge pipe to split before the stat is removed (it can stick and require a bit of work to free it off, this is the variable bit).

Stats are not that cheap although a plcae on ebay is selling the up-graded items with the better seal....what they dont do is provide the longer bolts required!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vauxhall-thermostat-Assy-Calibra-Cavalier-Vectra-Omega_W0QQitemZ200055994308QQihZ010QQcategoryZ10404QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Yep the hardest part is freeing the pipe from thermostat housing - did this last night on the veccy and its primarily the same set up. Leave thermostat bolted down and try to twist the pipe at opposite end, gradually it will free and the two pipes will turn opposite ways anf free  :y
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Paul M

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Re: Changing rocker covers, do thermostat too?
« Reply #11 on: 22 January 2007, 17:50:54 »
Where did you get the bolts, do VX do extended ones? Torx bolts aren't so easy to find in the required size. Oh and what type of sealant, I'm assuming it's not just some silicone?  :D
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Markie

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Re: Changing rocker covers, do thermostat too?
« Reply #12 on: 22 January 2007, 19:37:20 »
Quote
Where did you get the bolts, do VX do extended ones? Torx bolts aren't so easy to find in the required size. Oh and what type of sealant, I'm assuming it's not just some silicone?  :D


the grey sealant that sused to stick metal to metal - ie oil cooler :y
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TheBoy

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Re: Changing rocker covers, do thermostat too?
« Reply #13 on: 22 January 2007, 19:42:28 »
Quote
Quote
Where did you get the bolts, do VX do extended ones? Torx bolts aren't so easy to find in the required size. Oh and what type of sealant, I'm assuming it's not just some silicone?  :D


the grey sealant that sused to stick metal to metal - ie oil cooler :y
Yes, I would use the grey stuff that is used on oil cooler plate...
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Paul M

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Re: Changing rocker covers, do thermostat too?
« Reply #14 on: 22 January 2007, 21:04:47 »
Quote
Quote
Where did you get the bolts, do VX do extended ones? Torx bolts aren't so easy to find in the required size. Oh and what type of sealant, I'm assuming it's not just some silicone?  :D


the grey sealant that sused to stick metal to metal - ie oil cooler :y

Don't suppose you have any left over?  ;)

Knowing VX they'll probably want to sell me a 5 litre bottle of the stuff ;D. Last time I was in getting a few bits n bobs I asked for some of the plastic screws that hold the trim below the glovebox... "yes 23p each sir, but we only sell them in packs of 100".  There are only 5 or 6 in the whole car  :o

Cheers
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