WWDiesel wrote:
Welds can and do fail occasionally, but if it is done properly normally the metal around the weld will fail before an actual weld will turn loose!!!
Quite true. However, getting the weld done properly, especially with two dissimilar alloys of aluminum, is quite tricky. Not a good recipe for what is essentially a pressure vessel that goes through thousands of pressure cycles and temperature cycles, all while sitting on a vibrating engine.
Are we dealing with a lot of pressure? No, of course not. But there is pressure nonetheless, and cooling systems NEVER fail at a convenient time.
This is just one of the reasons why I was not going to try any welding on that cheap O.E. cast aluminum housing in an attempt to modify it. I do not want my product to be what is responsible for some CRD owner's cooling system failure.
CRD owners who want to rectify their cold running engine problem should look hard at the choices available to them. Do they want an upgrade product that was developed with careful and insightful research, using top quality materials and manufacturing techniques that will NEVER fail them, no matter what the driving conditions? Or, do they want something cobbled together by some guy who is from the "Hold My Beer, I Am Going To Try Something" School of Engineering?
I do not begrudge those who have their own machining tools from trying what they can on their own to make a better part. After all, that is how great ideas start. But please, do not insult my intelligence, and those of us on this forum who know better, by posting on threads that your modified O.E. thermostat is "as good" as a Model 001. It simply is not.
A modified O.E. thermostat will NEVER be as strong as a Model 001. It will NEVER offer the accessory ports that a Model 001 has. And, most importantly, it will NEVER flow as much coolant as a Model 001, which is a desired feature of any thermostat assembly for safely raising the operating temperature of any internal combustion engine.
Firearms owners universally praise high quality firearms, especially those firearms that have incredible build strength. This is why rifles like the single shot, falling block Ruger #1 Rifle has such retained value even on the used market. You simply can not beat the immense strength of the falling block action, and ammunition reloaders can rely on running their hottest reloads through it with no worries whatsoever.
The same principle applies with the Model 001. You can use it with ANY level of tune and performance build CRD engine. It will flow the coolant you require under the heaviest cooling system demands, meaning you can use it in your CRD to tow your trailer in Death Valley during the summer... just as long as the rest of your cooling system is in good shape.