Replacing Thermostatic Actuator

[alfatbo]

After a full engine rebuild and a new Ingram pump on my '74 Spider, the TA seems to be the weak link (I'm going to use the hot water test method to verify). I've searched the BB, but haven't found any specific notes on the actual replacement procedures. I have the Ingram book and will be following it to do the adjustments, but in terms of replacing the TA, what should I be looking out for? Thanks.

Terry

[Roadtrip]

Replacing the TA is very easy and straightforward.

1. Start with a cold engine.
2. Drain enough coolant to lower the level below the upper TA. Alternatively you can just remove it and let the coolant dribble down or catch it with a cup.
3. Remove the two small nuts holding the top bulb in the intake manifold.
4. Remove the two machine screws that hold fasten the middle support of the TA tube.
5. Remove the two machine screws that attach the TA to the injection pump logic section.
6. Carefully remove the TA.

Caveats:
1. The small nuts and studs that hold the upper TA to the manifold are easily broken by putting on too much torque if they're corroded. Soak them in PB Blaster the night before if they're in any way tough to get off. Clean the studs and replace the nuts if not in very good condition. Don't be surprised if a nut is corroded on the stud and the stud simply unscrews from the manifold. That's A LOT better than breaking it.
2. Don't let coolant dribble into the injection pump. Take the upper TA off first.
3. Don't kink the small TA tubing. It's steel and if abused, it will kink. Flex it slowly and carefully, and only enough to R&R the TA.
4. DO NOT omit fastening the middle support. That's critical in keeping the tubing from vibrating under normal engine operation.
5. Use a little RTV at the upper TA bulb to ensure a good seal.
5. Before you replace the TA, checkand set the pump gap with a dummy TA.

[George Willet]

When I was rebuilding the TAs, Wes and I made up a simple installation sheet with the ways to compensate for pin protrusion differences, complete with drawings.

Contact Wes, and ask him to fax the installation sheet, or maybe he has got it scanned into his computor, and can email it to you.

I'll try to see if I can figure a way to scan it into my computor and post it for future help to the alfabb Alfisti.

[Farace]

I would only add one thing to John's expert response. The bulb that attaches into the water jacket has an O-ring. If you're getting a new/rebuilt TA, the O-ring might not be included. Bring the O-ring from your old TA to the hardware store and match it up with a new one.

[Ianc]

By all means use RTV on the sender, and be VERY careful reattaching it. If the stud does come out with the nut, use Loctite when you reattach it, and don't put too much torque on it. (AMHIK) In fact, if the stud is at all suspect, consider replacing it with a machine screw.

[alfatbo]

Thanks everyone for your help on this.