Thermostat housing replacement

[Cristian G in Oz]

Can anyone tell me if there is a metal thermostat housing made for the M44 engine to replace the plastic one?

Also if it does exist where can I get one from and how much are they?

Cristian

[aceyx]

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=5183

Also, I'd like to note that it's a resin, not a straight plastic.

[pdxmotorhead]

Not Metal.=Sucks.

Dave

[aceyx]

That's an antiquated thought; what about carbon fiber? powdercoating? ceramics?

Resins (and plastics for that matter) have increased in technology significantly. Polycarbonate (lexan) beats traditional materials (glass) in certain circumstances. Fiber-impregnated resins like zytel are extremely strong in application. Thermoplastics are strong and flexible at the same time, where the same could not be said of most metals, let alone useful alloys. It is also price-efficient.


I'm not saying it's the miracle material, just that there are applications where metal isn't always the best.

[pdxmotorhead]

Originally Posted by aceyx

That's an antiquated thought; what about carbon fiber? powdercoating? ceramics?

Resins (and plastics for that matter) have increased in technology significantly. Polycarbonate (lexan) beats traditional materials (glass) in certain circumstances. Fiber-impregnated resins like zytel are extremely strong in application. Thermoplastics are strong and flexible at the same time, where the same could not be said of most metals, let alone useful alloys. It is also price-efficient.


I'm not saying it's the miracle material, just that there are applications where metal isn't always the best.

Ok Cons item by item.
Carbon fiber - Fatigues quickly when abused, gives no warning of failure UV sensitive. Overpriced because its now made in higher volume than regular fiberglass. Should (And does at the wholesale level) cost about 30% less than fiberglass.
Powdercoating - Banned in many racing applications because it doesn't allow cracks to show and allows rust to form underneath with no external trace.
Ceramics - usefull for heat blocking, but cause embrittlement in many metals and have similar side effects to powdercoating. Appropriate uses are very good.
Lexan - Crazes when exposed to benzine/gasoline. Embrittles under UV.
life expectancy about 20% of glass.
Zytel,Plastics,resins - Don't like heat. Varying chemical tolerances, Have you replaced your plastic ended BMW radiator YET or when not if the tank breaks?

Its mostly about life expectancy for me. Plastics only belong IMHO where they improve the life of the product not reduce it....

BESIDES! I was poking fun at the topic

Dave

[aceyx]

I guess I don't pay attention to any of the icons. . .

But has anyone actually tried breaking the housing? It's a tough cookie. I had to set it in a vice and give it a few good whacks with a 3lb hammer before it even cracked. I just think there's an inappropriate stigma attached to plastic, and plastic-looking materials.

In any event, it's all about the right material for the right application.


Also, I'd kind of dig having Saturn's polycarb door panels. We used to beat the crap out of my friend's car and at the end of the day, kick the bottom and it would just pop back out.

[CirrusSR22]

I need some help from those who have replaced their thermostat. I ordered a thermostat/housing and it came with a gasket. Is there only 1 gasket needed?

The reason I ask is that realoem.com shows a "axial gasket" (#6) for the housing, but it doesn't look like the one that came with the housing.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...66&hg=11&fg=35

I ordered part #5, which should come with the "axial gasket" (#6)

So is the gasket that fits the shape of the housing the only one needed??

Thanks

M44 Engine, BTW

[CirrusSR22]

I got one of these:

[CirrusSR22]

And it came with this:

[Dredder]

I replace mine when i had the M42. The only difference between the m42 and m44 is the M44 had an integrated thermostat while the m42 does not. The job is very simple to do. If you know how to flush your coolant then you should not have any problem replacing your thermostat.

If any one needs an M44 thermostat I have one for sale. $25 shipped (lower 48 states) Never been used with extras gasket. http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=6100

[CirrusSR22]

Just did the job today, and just the one gasket was there. The heat blows MUCH hotter now! That'll be great this winter.