Neat trick for installing thermostats

[watsongs]

My local mechanic gave me this trick.  I was having trouble getting my thermostat and o-ring to stay put while trying to re-install them on my 1.5.  Awkward angle, o-ring wants to walk off if you don't nail it right away, I'm sure you've all ben there.  So disconnect your top radiator hose at the radiator and stick a shop vac hose in it - the shop vac will hold the thermostat in place, and a little vaseline or RTV will hold the o-ring onto the plastic elbow.  Now you can take your time.  I can't believe I didn't think of that -

Greg

[52 horses]

My local mechanic gave me this trick.  I was having trouble getting my thermostat and o-ring to stay put while trying to re-install them on my 1.5.  Awkward angle, o-ring wants to walk off if you don't nail it right away, I'm sure you've all ben there.  So disconnect your top radiator hose at the radiator and stick a shop vac hose in it - the shop vac will hold the thermostat in place, and a little vaseline or RTV will hold the o-ring onto the plastic elbow.  Now you can take your time.  I can't believe I didn't think of that -

Greg

I have owned my '82 Jetta for 4 years now and have replaced the thermostat twice... Of course I also replaced the water pump twice so it was easy... :lol:

Just turned the water pump upside down and install the new thermostat...

[malone]

That's a neat trick... here's me struggling to prevent the o-ring from slowly stretching out, while the front bumper was hardly clearing my head:



Someone had my jack at the time, but it'd be a lot nicer to have a lift or a pit for accessibility