Thermostat?

[126redbomb]

I have just priced up for the head to be skimmed and its £40, but if I pay for the head and gasket to be done its £80 including vat.  The only worry I have got is, he is not going to fit a copper gasket. But he did say it will last a for years?
GTMaster tell me more? 
If there anyone who has done a breakdown of how to do it I would greatly aprreciate it. 
It probably is a piece of piss easy job, but I am a muppet and I do need some guidance( ok, alot)

[Pete126]

After having my cyl head skimmed in 2005 i re-assembled it with the standard head gasket (Payne) Not had any problem with it.

1.   Drain the water and oil
2.   Disconnect the battery
3.   Remove the air filter on the back panel and carb
4.   Disconnect all the pipes and cables connected to the carb
5.   Remove the carb (4 nuts)
6.   Remove the inlet manifold (4 bolts)
7.   Remove the Exhaust and brackets
8.   Remove the 2 rocker cover nuts
9.   Remove the rocker shaft (2 nuts)
10.   Remove the 8 domed nuts (2 are in the inlet manifold inlets) + 3 bolts at the bottom
11.   Rotate the engine and that should break the seal between the head and block
12.   slide the head off
13.   Take the head to be skimmed flat
14.   Clean all surfaces
15.   Re-assemble

Being a Subscriber you can also check out the Bis manual

[126redbomb]

Pete126 You are a STAR! 

[ciaoflyer]

I have just priced up for the head to be skimmed and its £40, but if I pay for the head and gasket to be done its £80 including vat.  The only worry I have got is, he is not going to fit a copper gasket. But he did say it will last a for years?
GTMaster tell me more? 
If there anyone who has done a breakdown of how to do it I would greatly aprreciate it. 
It probably is a piece of piss easy job, but I am a muppet and I do need some guidance( ok, alot)

Was this price from Wards, Rugby?

[126redbomb]

Yes mate, I'm just having a thinking session at the moment cuz the tax has run out today and I'm wondering how quick can I get it back on the road.

[126redbomb]

Can someone tell me, if there is no thermostat in the car how come the needle moves when it gets hot?
Yes I am going to get it sorted out but this is baffling me!!  I took the housing off and couldn't see a thermostat inside.   
I filled her up with just water (OH why did you do that I can hear you say) I wanted to know if it will start.
It will run (with loads of white smoke) but as soon I have to stop, the engine dies and the battery light comes on, so I have to fire her up again.  I'm sorry if this is making someone scream at the thought of the damage I might be doing, but I have to get her going to get her to the garage!
 

[Pete126]

The thermostat is used to regulate the water temperature and keep engine running at a constant working temperature, the hotter the engine gets the thermostat opens wider to let more water flow through the system,  When you take the thermostat out of the system the engine has to warm up all the water in the system so it takes allot longer for the engine to warm up, It will register on the temperature gauge but not as high as the water is at full flow through the radiator all the time, Without the thermostat you will notice that when the engine is under pressure like climbing up hills or driving fast the temperature gauge will start to creep up the gauge but should not overheat, If the system is flushed out every couple of years and refilled its best to keep the thermostat as running the engine without means they never run at there most efficient temperature which in turn means less MPG and more engine ware.

[126redbomb]

Cheers Pete, I will use a thermostat when I get mine sorted. Thanks again.

[GTMaster]

Yes definitely have a new thermostat put in as it will help the engine reach operating temperature quicker  in winter (and improve heating as well.)