Help locating Vixen thermostat housing

[jlindsay]

The initial message was deleted from this topic on 24 November 2016 at 02:42

[anonymous-user]

The Ford Crossflow can have a Fiesta unit fitted of this type and the V6 Essex also has a similar part available - these could possible be redrilled to fit the Triumph head but can lead to slow coolant filling if the rad top hose is small as you're filling one way only. What are the centres of the fitting studs?

[ATE399J]

jlindsay said:

Hi Andrew, Thank you for the reply. You're correct that the header tank/swirlpot is there for a reason...actually two reasons. The first is to provide a convenient filling location and the second is to bleed off unwanted air in cooling systems where the radiator is lower than the thermostat (such as the 2500M). Both of these functions can be accomplished with the housing pictured, wouldn't you agree? Eliminating a big steel tube that constantly runs around 200 degrees and is located right next to the ignition coil and alternator electronics seems a positive thing. A larger dual core radiator would more than replace any lost coolant capacity. I'm almost always a "keep it stock" sort of guy but the stock cooling system of the 2500M is woefully inadequate in 95 degree weather sitting at a stoplight on asphalt that's too hot to even touch. My guess would be that TVR chose the header tank solution since it could be easily and cheaply fabricated in house but I've been known to be wrong before! I'm still hoping to hear from any Vixen owners who may recognize this thermostat housing. Thanks, Jeff

Jeff, I Would partly agree with you. However, a header tank is not really to bleed out air as it is not, necessarily, a swirl pot. Firstly it is quite often used to provide the highest point in the cooling system so that it can be filled from this point (this is the case in a TVR I believe) and, secondly, it allows for expansion of the coolant in the system. A header-or expansion tank- usually ends up about half full (or so) and when the coolant heats up its volume increases to completely fill the system.
I would advise you to keep a header tank, it does a lot more than just increase the overall volume of the system.
Phil

[ATE399J]

Why the delete?

[plasticpig72]

+1 strange, where is the problem
Alan

[anonymous-user]

Takes all sorts. In and out like Ronald Biggs.

[jlindsay]

Hello my friends, Please don't think that I deleted my post due to any hard feelings! I appreciate all the responses and the interest in helping me but the thread was taking a different tack from my initial request. I've never been a member of a forum before and I thought an acceptable way to stop the thread was to delete my post. I now see that is viewed as a snub and for that I apologize! I'm not upset in the least...you guys have been great. Another reason I chose to delete the post is because I've located a thermostat housing that should work fine for me...
I didn't want any of you to keep searching for the one shown in my initial post. Sorry for the gaff! Jeff

[mk1fan]

If you could post up the details of the part you found it will help others who encounter similar problems in the future.

[Andrew Gray]

Here is the one on my Vixen its a Ford part but same principle


Andrew

[jlindsay]

Good point, Stewart. The pictured thermostat housing is from a 93 Mitsubishi Eclipse of all cars! It's easily available here in the States and at $20 it's pretty reasonably priced so, I'll try it first. Thanks, Andrew for the photos. I located that housing at Burton and, if my Mitsubishi housing doesn't fit, it'll be my next choice. These types of housings with the integral pressure cap seem such a simple and aesthetically pleasing solution to the problems presented by a low radiator...yes?