Installing a thermost should be a no-brainer, but I'm not sure MazdaTrix sent me the right one. It's smaller than the opening in the water pump housing. But, assuming it's the right one, do you install the thermostat, then the rubber o-ring, then the gasket, then the housing (first attachment)? Or do you install the rubber o-ring, then the thermostat, then the gasket, then the housing (second attachment)? The thermosta measures 52mm across, while the opening in the water pump housing measures 56mm across (third attachment).

Thanks,
Rich

 

Rich, that rubber gasket looking thing should be a a split gasket. check to see if it is slit on the inside diameter...place it over the edge of the thermostat and then pull it on the thermostat it should cover both sides. when the gasket is properly inplace then the thermostat will fit properly OBTW its the correct size.

kenn

 

Thanks Kenn - That makes sense. I'll check it out tomorrow night!

Rich

 

also make sure that little nipple (hole) thing is at the top. you could also use some coolant sealer around the gasket for a better fit.

 

Thanks for the advice Paradox! I read that in the manual, but not sure where the "up" (top) position is. In my pictures, you can see that it's at about the 2:00 position. If I turn it counterclockwise to position it at the 12:00 position, it moves off-center. I assume part of the body of the lower side of the thermostat interferes with part of the casting in the water pump housing. Is it ok where I have it or do I need to make it fit closer to the 12:00 position?

Thanks,
Rich