mechanic suggestions Bend Or
 

My wife is up in Bend Or and I am in Los Angeles
She needs the thermostat replaced in the 97 850 R
Do you guys know of any mechanics that she can take it to in that area to replace this. I am not going to be up there for a week or I would do it myself.

Thanks,
Chet

The job is easy enough for anyone who can change engine oil. I would buy an OEM T-stat and do the job myself. FCP Groton, our official sponsor, is a great OEM parts source:

http://www.fcpgroton.com/category-ex...137/by_year/47

There are 2 OEMs, as well as 2 different temp settings. I used French Vernet 87C (the original T-stat seemed to have been German Wahler 92C). Many people opt for the 87C version but 5C difference is not much. You need to loosen x2 (x3?) Torx screws (star-shaped screws) to get to the T-stat. The Torx has to be the exact matching size or it is guaranteed to strip. There is only one O-ring to the T-stat, which should be included in the new T-stat package. As a precautionary procedure, I had applied paste-type liquid gasket between the upper & lower T-stat housings (not mandatory). Also, some coolant needs to be drained or it would start draining when you loosen the Torx screws.

I hope this helps.


JPN

I would recommend posting in the regional forums
I have no idea how much traffic they get, but it would be for the area, at least.

Thanks, I will take a look in the regional area

Chet

Another option from Car Talk:
http://www.cartalk.com/content/mechx/
Ed

For anyone in the OR or SW WA area who needs a reliable shop, give M&W Automotive a call. If you're out of their service area they are always willing and able to recommend a service provider and never shy about letting you know who to stay away from. On both counts they have saved me time, money, and aggravation. Thanks fellas!!

9085 s.w. Burnham Rd
Tigard, OR 97223
503.624.9262

1992 240 DL 156,000
1996 850 Wagon 148,000