D24TIC Renewing thermostat, coolant draining problem

[Laney760]

Although I havent removed the engine under-tray, it does not look like the D24Tic has a drain tap and so I need to remove the lower rad hose to drain the coolant down. Having loosened the jubilee clip I just cannot get the lower rad hose off ( I have a very weak right hand due to old injury) and if I did get it off I'm worried as to if I could get it back on again. So, I am wondering, can I simply remove the rad hose from the thermostat housing and allow the coolant to drain out of there or is this a complete no no? Many thanks

[mac2542]

If you are only renewing the thermostat it is OK just to undo the hose to the thermostat.

[Laney760]

Thanks mac2542 but I've also had to admit defeat with the thermostat housing hose as well. Is there a knack to getting these off? I've removed hoses on my Merc camper before without this problem..........

[mac2542]

Yes I know that problem too well. What I did was insert a screwdriver and lever it most of the way round and then twist the hose off.

Hope this works for you.

[Laney760]

Thanks, I'll have another go later, a bit demoralised at the moment, did try levering with a screwdriver but there is not much room to manoeuvre. I can only assume this hose has never been off in 21 years.....

[Galaxie390]

Hi,

I know this problem well! In the past I've used a coat hanger bent at 90 deg and worked it into and around the end of the hose. It takes a while, but you'll get there. It does help to flatten the end inch or so of the coat hanger to act as a blade, plus when you rotate the wire the flattened section has the effect of lifting the hose away from the fitting.

Go easy on if you're pulling and twisting on the radiator fittings as they can be damaged and leak.....oops, voice of experience there! The thermostat fitting isn't so delicate.

If you're stuck re-fitting them, soak the ends of the hose in hot water for a few minutes soften them. Also, a wipe of washing up liquid will help them slip on. Make sure your clamps are done up tight afterwards.

Hope this helps,

Rich

[Laney760]

Thanks Galaxie, I got them off in the end with sheer brute force, to be honest I had been frightened to use such force before as the hoses are old. Having done that, the job reached a dead end anyway, thread about this in 700/900 technical section, as I was unable to undo the factory fitted torx screws on the thermostat housing, turns out I'm not the first, on my previous D24Tic the garage had had to drill them out as has another member on theirs. In the end a slipped disc and a lack of patience made me put it in the garage, it transpired after fitting the new thermostat and sensor that the car is not overheating, it is the guage on the instrument cluster, ho hum.....