how to remove seal behind thermostat?
02-27-2003, 03:45 PM
#1
Burning Brakes
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how to remove seal behind thermostat?
I'm replacing the thermostat on 944 (1983). I have it removed now, but I also decided to put a new seal (located behind the thermostat, about 1" I.D.). This is a metal-reinforced rubber seal that sits very tight. Access is bad, it's inside ~2" I.D. tube that comes from the water pump, and is recessed about 2". A typical seal puller won't fit. To make things worse, the inside rubber of the seal is even with the metal behind it, so there is no easy way to grip it with a hook, etc.
Does anybody know how to remove it, preferably without removing the water pump?
Thanks, Stan
Does anybody know how to remove it, preferably without removing the water pump?
Thanks, Stan
02-28-2003, 10:16 AM
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Burning Brakes
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I wonder if there is a supplier of automotive tools (in Canada or US) that has a big selection and an illustrated web catalogue? Sometimes a tool designed for a different job works...
02-28-2003, 03:28 PM
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Three Wheelin'
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I believe this is the seal, and I just made a quick attempt at hooking it with a pick and could not 
...Bruce
<img src="http://www.arnnworx.com/thermoseal.jpg" alt=" - " />
...Bruce<img src="http://www.arnnworx.com/thermoseal.jpg" alt=" - " />
02-28-2003, 04:30 PM
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Racer
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I can definitely speak with some authority on this subject.
I went through hell trying to remove that seal while the WP was still in the car. And I did try a dental pick. I tried for hours on that seal. Never got that b!tc# out.
I ended up replacing the whole waterpump since I chewed up the seal sooo bad, and had to remove the waterpump now anyway.
I still have the old waterpump with the chewed up seal in the garage.
A tiny bit of advice of you want to remove the engine seals "While you are there": drill a tiny dremel drill bit hole on the opposite sides of the seal, then use 2 tapping screws (I used drywall screws), screw them in tight, and pull that sucka out with some good pliers...
I went through hell trying to remove that seal while the WP was still in the car. And I did try a dental pick. I tried for hours on that seal. Never got that b!tc# out.
I ended up replacing the whole waterpump since I chewed up the seal sooo bad, and had to remove the waterpump now anyway.
I still have the old waterpump with the chewed up seal in the garage.
A tiny bit of advice of you want to remove the engine seals "While you are there": drill a tiny dremel drill bit hole on the opposite sides of the seal, then use 2 tapping screws (I used drywall screws), screw them in tight, and pull that sucka out with some good pliers...
03-03-2003, 11:23 AM
#6
Burning Brakes
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SUCCESS - I did it !
I built a simple tool myself and it worked fine: I took a small hobby-size hummer from a "Dollar store", and using an angle grinder made it even smaller. I shaped it to have one sharp edge (the part that is used to remove nails with a hummer) to pull the seal out, while I made the other side (the nail "hummering" side) rest on the other end of the seal (across the diameter). At the end I shortened the handle to make it possible to manouver within the limited space.
It's hard to explain it well, but what I made was similar to a typical seal puller, but custom made to fit the specific seal.
Thanks guys for your advice:
- Jax951: I might use your suggestion on engine seals in the future.
- triscadec and F18Rep: I tried but unfortunately managed only to strip off the rubber, without moving the metal reinforcement.
cheers, Stan
I built a simple tool myself and it worked fine: I took a small hobby-size hummer from a "Dollar store", and using an angle grinder made it even smaller. I shaped it to have one sharp edge (the part that is used to remove nails with a hummer) to pull the seal out, while I made the other side (the nail "hummering" side) rest on the other end of the seal (across the diameter). At the end I shortened the handle to make it possible to manouver within the limited space.
It's hard to explain it well, but what I made was similar to a typical seal puller, but custom made to fit the specific seal.
Thanks guys for your advice:
- Jax951: I might use your suggestion on engine seals in the future.
- triscadec and F18Rep: I tried but unfortunately managed only to strip off the rubber, without moving the metal reinforcement.
cheers, Stan
