I'm looking at the thermostat housing and looks like the failure prone side has some indication that it's starting to give. I would hence like to replace the thermostat housing. The water pump is clearly right in front, so that has to go first. (Instructions on how to remove the thermostat housing also note this). One of the first steps to remove the water pump is to drain the coolant. That requires access underneath the car, but I can't drive it up ramps with the intake manifold out and the fuel distributor loosened/disconnected. I also need to turn off the level control, or risk damaging the suspension. Any advice on how to turn off level control with the engine disassembled as it is?

Thanks for any advice you might have!

 

I forgot I had pulled one of the air strut connections, I believe to access one nut on the torque strut. I turned the key to the accessories on position and got a Chassis System Failure. I tried pressing the level control button for a while but nothing happened. I assume it is off due to the failure condition...

 

Man, I really feel for you after reading this message.
Personally, I wouldn't touch anything suspension without having my car supported in a 2 post lift. Too late for that now, so I would really try to be as cautious as possible in order not to damage your air suspension. Couple of ideas :

• Disconnect/reconnect your battery negative. Maybe you can get it to respond to your suspension button after recycling ?
• Do you have multiple jacks ? If so, I would use it to support your wheel and/or control arm. Keep that weight off of your air suspension.
  

 

Thanks Yves for the thoughts.

I'm thinking of J-B Welding a piece of aluminum to the thermostat and pipe, in the hopes that if the adhesive fails the aluminum welded will hold them together, at least to prevent catastrophic failure.

What do you guys think? Might look a little ghetto...

 

I had originally though along the same lines, should be a good fix for "peace of mind"

hey those are my socks! LOL

 

Thanks! I got to reading the J-B Weld instructions on the back. All sorts of health precautions. Makes me a little nervous using it.

Me thinks I bought the socks at Costco, but if you really think they're yours PM me your address and I'll send them to you. 😅

 

LOL, on the J-B weld just go yo harborfreight and get some 7 or 9 mill Nitrite gloves and you'll be fine(unless your one of those people that has to taste everything ), I would also suggest using some 80 grit sandpaper and roughing up the area you plan on attaching it to.

note: stay away from the 5-mil thick gloves, they will tear as soon as you look at them (and JB weld it really sticky )