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MG TD TF 1500 - Thermostat question

I'm in the middle of replacing the water pump on my 1952 MG TD. After pulling the radiator and peering down the thermostat, I noticed that the dished round valve that makes the seal was lying loose on the top of the thermostat. For some reason I don't think this is correct. I will spin the dished valve onto the threaded stud in the center of the thermostat where it belongs. I assume I should spin the valve down to where it is just snug against the seat. Is this correct? While I've got things this far apart is there some way I can test the operation of the thermostat?

Thank you.
Larry Shoer

Hi Larry,
I can't answer your first query, but there is a very simple method of testing a thermostat. Simply put it in a pot of cold water with a thermometer and bring it to the boil. When the thermostat opens fully read the thermometer. this will indicate the operating temp of that thermostat.

Hope this helps,

Paul.
Paul van Gool

It sounds from your description as if you have the original type of thermostat. If the disc has become detached, then there may be a good chance the rest of the gadget is U/S.

Now would be the time to replace the item with a modified thermostat housing available from the usual sources, and to fit a "modern" unit.
Geoff Love

Paul,

Thanks for the suggestion. I put the pieces of the thermostat together and heated the thermostat in a pan of water. The water got to the boiling point and the thermostat never opened. Time for a new thermostat to go with my new water pump!
Larry Shoer

Hi Larry, it's stuffed alright. Hope you didn't use your wife's best stainless steel saucepan.

Cheers,

Paul
Paul van Gool

This thread was discussed between 27/05/2001 and 29/05/2001

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.