Quote:
Originally Posted by ah-kay
Need to remove the thermostat to do a quick test without it. Where is it and how easy to remove it? I do a search and it seems to be a PITA to remove. Any tips?
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Without the thermostat in place, the coolant will not flow normally. Here is a quote which I saved:
OM603 Coolant flow path, from Brian Carlton
The coolant that returns from the radiator heads to the thermostat housing. If the thermostat is "closed", it stops right there and can't go to the water pump. All coolant comes from the crankcase and passes the flat disc which is wide open.
If the thermostat is partially open, some of the coolant from the radiator passes through the thermostat body and out to the water pump. Some of the coolant from the crankcase also passes the flat disc at the rear of the thermostat and also goes to the water pump.
If the thermostat is fully open, the flat disc closes the passage from the crankcase and all the coolant from the return line from the radiator passes through the body of the thermostat and onto the water pump .
Getting back to your question: thermostat removal.
I remove the thermostat by first removing the bellows from the air flow box to the turbo intake, this permits access to the 2 10mm bolts. I find it helpful to use a small air wrench.