Broken pipe on lower thermostat housing: What is the fix?

Giles · Post by **Giles** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 12:41 pm

Hi All,
the small 'T'-shaped pipe that comes off the bottom of the thermostat housing in my car has broken away. I belive this is a common problem, but I've searched forums and I haven't found a fix. Does anyone have a fix for this? I would prefer a method that doesn't involve replacing the entire housing. And/or can anyone tell me what mechanic in wellington I should take it to?
I live in Island bay and my car is an '89.

Here is a picture of the problem:
[img]
http://oct03a.bay.livefilestore.com/y1p ... 20pipe.jpg
[/img]

Anthug · Post by **Anthug** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 12:46 pm

You could tap it and install a barbed fitting from local Enzed www.enzed.co.nz or Hydraulink www.hydraulink.com franchise.

Habanero666 · Post by **Habanero666** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 2:01 pm

as above, what anthug said. Use some JB weld or thread locker/ pipe sealant on the threads aswell.

Giles · Post by **Giles** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 2:20 pm

Good idea. Thanks.
I'm on the trail of the right fittings now. Had to try to find somewhere in Wellington city, since the car is not keen to go out to the Hutt right now.

Timmo · Post by **Timmo** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 3:41 pm

nah it'll be sweet- Just install a pedastal fan under your bonnet powered by the cigarette lighter for the trip down

extreme air cooled motor haha

Habanero666 · Post by **Habanero666** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 5:07 pm

I got some fittings!
will take a wee pic or tae see below,
the one closest to the calipers is the same diameter as the actual fitting!

Its an npt thread and its yours for $10

Giles · Post by **Giles** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 5:10 pm

Well, so far Wellington hasn't got any. I'm so sick of bewildered salespeople and stores with no stock. So much for getting my car running today.

Has anyone actually tried this repair before? I'd be interested to know the best way to add a 'T' join in the system, since I actually have to connect two hoses.

Giles · Post by **Giles** » Sat Dec 12, 2009 4:10 pm

Habanero666 wrote:I got some fittings!
will take a wee pic or tae see below,
the one closest to the calipers is the same diameter as the actual fitting!

Its an npt thread and its yours for $10

I just saw your post. They look like they might be useful. Thanks for posting.
I'll send you a PM.

Habanero666 · Post by **Habanero666** » Sat Dec 12, 2009 7:00 pm

Giles · Post by **Giles** » Tue Feb 09, 2010 12:24 am

Well eventually I fixed the problem by tapping a thread in to the thermostat housing then making an aluminium T-pipe from some tubing from the model and hobbies store that I formed a nice joint in and held together with 'JB weld'(a high-temperature epoxy). It's been a couple of months now and it's still holding after some long trips and hard driving.

poison · Post by **poison** » Tue Feb 09, 2010 11:05 am

Warning if I may, there is no temperature warning light on an MX5. One of my
home made hose fittings came off once and it dumped all the water in
seconds, I was on the motorway and would not have known had a guy behind me
started flashing his lights. My advice is to get a decent barbed brass
hydraulic or air hose fitting (paint it black for looks). The engine can
overheat pretty fast and cost you a head gasket or worse and by the time you
realise it's too late.

[Posted via external email]

Giles · Post by **Giles** » Tue Feb 09, 2010 1:29 pm

poison wrote:Warning if I may, there is no temperature warning light on an MX5. One of my
home made hose fittings came off once and it dumped all the water in
seconds, I was on the motorway and would not have known had a guy behind me
started flashing his lights. My advice is to get a decent barbed brass
hydraulic or air hose fitting (paint it black for looks). The engine can
overheat pretty fast and cost you a head gasket or worse and by the time you
realise it's too late.

[Posted via external email]

Yeah, that's true, but when the original part broke it went suddenly and completely while I was driving and the coolant didn't all come out instantly. There was enough in the system to get me the short distance home. I did actually get quite a dramatic indication that something was wrong as water got on the power steering belt and in to the alternator. The first thing I knew was that the steering went stiff and the battery light came on. Obviously I wouldn't want that again, but I'm pretty confident in the thing I made.