Just when you thought things were coming together...
Made two important discoveries today. First I noticed the gasket kit HAD the valve seals that I spent an 'extra' $32 bucks for a new set last week. Oh well, I probably would have spent that on black licorice, potato chips, and Open Nature Cherry Vanilla frozen greek yogurt anyway.
Then while I was getting primed to install the new head, I noticed the casting for the thermostat housing, aka water flange, was different...see image.
Now for the options. Find a thermostat housing that fits the casting on this new head. I wasn't overly optimistic that I could locate a used flange, but I found one for a L235 on ebay. Looks close except the thermostat housing bolts are 90* different and the small return water fitting is at a 45* angle instead of 90*. Next I looked for new ones that will cost around $50 shipped and the problem is NOBODY has pictures to tell if they are the full width or half width water flanges. (Parts 15321-72702 and/or 15521-72702) with a multitude of replaces # and so forth.
The last option is if I either weld a ridge of aluminum across the old one and grind it off for a flat gasket surface.
Or...drum roll, wait for it...apply a ridge of good ol' JB weld across the half width flange and grind it off. (See the black band across the middle of the OEM water flange). I figure I would have nothing to lose by going the JB (easiest) or aluminum weld route since it if doesn't work I'd still need to purchase one anyway. Thoughts on the JB weld...miracle or mess?
Made two important discoveries today. First I noticed the gasket kit HAD the valve seals that I spent an 'extra' $32 bucks for a new set last week. Oh well, I probably would have spent that on black licorice, potato chips, and Open Nature Cherry Vanilla frozen greek yogurt anyway.
Then while I was getting primed to install the new head, I noticed the casting for the thermostat housing, aka water flange, was different...see image.
Now for the options. Find a thermostat housing that fits the casting on this new head. I wasn't overly optimistic that I could locate a used flange, but I found one for a L235 on ebay. Looks close except the thermostat housing bolts are 90* different and the small return water fitting is at a 45* angle instead of 90*. Next I looked for new ones that will cost around $50 shipped and the problem is NOBODY has pictures to tell if they are the full width or half width water flanges. (Parts 15321-72702 and/or 15521-72702) with a multitude of replaces # and so forth.
The last option is if I either weld a ridge of aluminum across the old one and grind it off for a flat gasket surface.
Or...drum roll, wait for it...apply a ridge of good ol' JB weld across the half width flange and grind it off. (See the black band across the middle of the OEM water flange). I figure I would have nothing to lose by going the JB (easiest) or aluminum weld route since it if doesn't work I'd still need to purchase one anyway. Thoughts on the JB weld...miracle or mess?
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