All the European Diesel T3 motors that I have taken apart have a small hole
like this in the diaphragm of the thermostat.  Probably to prevent air
locks.  If there is a pocket of air next to the thermostat it will take a
lot longer to open.

David Marshall

Fast Forward Automotive Inc.
4356 Quesnel-Hixon Road
Quesnel BC Canada  V2J 6Z3

http://www.fastforward.ca    mailto:sales@fastforward.ca
Phone: (250) 992 7775        FAX: (250) 992 1160

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-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of George Goff
Sent: January 12, 2004 10:31 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: not all thermostats are equal

In a message dated 1/12/04 12:45:59 PM, felder@KNOLOGY.NET writes:

<< my mechanic advised me to do what
he did... drill a small hold (1/8 inch) in the edge of the thermostat
to allow a bit of water to flow through even when closed. >>

Why?

George