lol That's what came to my mind. I like the weld the washer first idea.. That's if you can get to it and have a welder. I also agree with pounding a 12mm socket on the t stat bolt.. Been there done that..
I really appreciate all of the great advice. The pond idea does sound good, and the underlying point is profound....that said, I think I might be pulling out the old buzz-box and doing a little welding on my engine (there's a scary thought). If I can get it done without catching something on fire I think I have a good crack at it. I am nervous that the Tstat bolt could just break off leaving me in worse shape than where I started. Any thoughts on the combination of PB Blaster and welding?? Is there flamable residue to worry about? Maybe it's not enough welding to be concerned with? I was a production welder in another life and caught myself and "the work" on fire plenty of times...just part of the job. I'd sure like to avoid burning my Mav to the ground in the garage.
No doubt. Just be prepared to put out a small and a big fire before you get started. Obviously you will want to try using shields to help contain the sparks.. Good luck
After welding, don't PB Blast it. Use a candle to cool it instead. The wax is a lube and it will harden in the threads and stay there. Great trick. Just stay on it till it cools. In the end, What have you got to lose? If you win now, you saved money. If you don't get it and have to pay someone else, your only out your time. You will get it.
You don't need to add anything to the mix after welding, the key here is to unscrew the bolt just as the nut changes from orange to grey, at that point the threads are released from the threads in the hole. No lubricant I know of will stay liquid at that temperature. Candlewax will just ignite.
Copy that.... I guess I didn't specify. My concern was that using the PB prior to welding would leave a potentially flamable residue that could ignite while welding....
