MGA MGA 1500 Thermostat Blanking Sleeve

[Steve_S]

I run my oil cooler underneath the front panel. While it obviously gets less air flow there, it does not block the radiator or introduce additional hot air to it. The answer would be to cut an air hole in the valance but I'm not willing to do that. Having the cooler in a less than ideal position is better than not having it at all during the hot summer months.

As for coolant, I run mostly water with a dose of Water Wetter and a small amount of anti-freeze just for water pump lubrication and additional anti-rust protection. I'm probably about 75/25 plus Water Wetter.

 

[Terry Holden]

Just fitting a blanking sleeve to my MGA 1600. With the sleeve sisstting neatly in its recess and the thermostat on top of it the flange of the thermostat sits too high for the gasket to provide an effective seal. Have seen mention of using two gaskets but this does not seem a very satisfactory solution.
If I enlarge the centre hole in the gasket it leaves very little contact area. Considering making a solid copper shim/gasket a little thicker than the thermostat flange but with a central hole large enough to locate the thermostat The standard gasket can then sit flat on that without any gaps. Contact area will still be limited but solid copper should provide a more permanent seal than the blue gasket material.
I am assuming that raising the height of the thermostat by this small amount will not affect its operation.
Has anyone else found an alternative solution to provide a good seal ?
Thanks from UK
Terry

 

[bobhustead]

Blanking sleeves are to be run without the thermostat. That's why you are finding interference.
Bob