02/01/04 - Since I'm using the rear disk brakes off the SI chassis, I need to use the SI brake proportioning valve as well, so I cleaned up the old one and installed it. Looks good as new.

While fiddling around hooking up the vacuum lines and wiring on that side of the engine, I noticed that something didn't look right on the thermostat housing where the coolant bypass line hooks up. There was a strange bump on the hose. There was no pressure in the system (no coolant in there for that matter) so what could cause it to bulge out like that? Why on earth didn't I notice it when the engine was out of the car and I could get to the housing bolts easily?

At this point, I figured I had three options. One, shut my eyes and pretend I didn't see it. Two, live with it since it's been like that for a while and how could it get worse anyway? Or three, fix it. Naturally I decided to go with option one. A couple days later I couldn't stand it so I decided to fix it right. Besides, I just had to know what went wrong to cause the hose to bump out like that. So I worked up some ambition, fired up the garage heater, and did some stretching because I knew I would be bending my arm, wrist and fingers in unnatural ways.

I got the housing out and here's what was under there. Fair warning though - the next page has really icky, gross and disgusting images so if you just ate you may want to come back later.

< Back - Next >