one could say which vanagon one is talking about, since diesel vanagons, 1.9
waterboxer ones, and 2.1 wbxr ones all have different t-stat housings.

it's probably not diesel.
the 1.9 can be darn difficult if things are badly corroded..
and same for 2.1 t-stat housings ....sometimes screws on those are badly
corroded too.

might as well say which version of vanagon t-stat housing it's about.

how about ,
do careful work,
don't break anything,
and especially, put something on all fastener threads ..
Teflon paste, gasket sealer, or anti-seize  compound. ..
so they don't corrode much, and come out years later just fine.

very few threaded fasteners should be installed bare metal to metal.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Danny Bean" <dannybean@ME.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 9:29 PM
Subject: Thermostat housing

> Well my thermostat housing is cracked and I'm changing it as soon as I get
> my new one from Van Cafe. So I was wondering if anyone has any tips or
> advise on changing the housing...I know you do Peter.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Daniel Bean
> 615.973.4942