Other XC90 Problem: Leaking Thermostat Gasket

[simonbowen]

I've got a XC90 D5 which seemed to have delevoped a water leak. It appears to be gasket that has gone but the garage is telling me I need a whole new thermostat, is this correct? Or can the gasket be replaced?

[Clan]

[QUOTE=simonbowen;2917989]I've got a XC90 D5 which seemed to have delevoped a water leak. It appears to be gasket that has gone but the garage is telling me I need a whole new thermostat, is this correct? Or can the gasket be replaced?
yes they are right, only the complete assembly is available.

[Lancee]

I have the same issue. The new OEM thermostat assembly including the gasket to fit is currently, and has been for some time, sat on my worktop awaiting while I work out how to fit it without removing the bracket holding the PAS pump etc !

It has been suggested to drill a hole in the bracket to allow access to the apparently inaccessible lower mounting bolt. However I am somewhat loathe to do so.

If you are considering DIY, make sure to order the gasket as well since it doesn't (in my experience) come with the thermostat assembly.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Lancee

I have the same issue. The new OEM thermostat assembly including the gasket to fit is currently, and has been for some time, sat on my worktop awaiting while I work out how to fit it without removing the bracket holding the PAS pump etc !

It has been suggested to drill a hole in the bracket to allow access to the apparently inaccessible lower mounting bolt. However I am somewhat loathe to do so.

If you are considering DIY, make sure to order the gasket as well since it doesn't (in my experience) come with the thermostat assembly.

Are you sure there is not a hole there? There is on later ones if not !

[Alycidon]

Recently did mine on 2005, there is a hole in the steering pump bracket, pump has to be removed though.

[Lancee]

Originally Posted by Alycidon

Recently did mine on 2005, there is a hole in the steering pump bracket, pump has to be removed though.

Thanks. After your, and Clans (thanks also) post I did find this;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dghgi3zszyY

What a pain having to remove/reinstall the aux belt/PS pump etc just to get to one bolt. The thermostat on my C70 D5 seems to be readily accessible and could apparently be replaced relatively easily. Murphys law that's not the car that's leaking !

One thing I did notice from the video, a replacement OE gasket was not used, just instant gasket maker from a tube. As I previously discovered and mentioned the gasket does not come with the complete thermostat assembly but is available and needs to be ordered seperately. I wouldn't like to reassemble to discover there was still a leak for want of the correct OE gasket !

I now wonder if gasket maker from a tube could be used to seal the offending joint without replacing the whole assembly? The thermostat on my car works fine, it just weeps from the join as in the OP's picture.

[ca2n]

Could be worse

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XGtTWrdFRs&t=12s

And, yes, I replaced the whole thermostat assembly. I did it without taking anything off but the thermostat housing, but did have help from one of these: