geordi wrote:
*drool*
So... when can I expect mine in the mailbox?
I know you're on the list. I may need to re-formulate/update my list from PM's, etc. I want to say the list has about 8 ppl on it give or take.
I know Squeeto is waiting on one to get his jeep up and running again so he’s in the first batch due to the urgent nature of it.
First batch is 4 units. I installed one of those units in my jeep just this week. The original design tester I pulled out of the jeep (previous version w/o new spacer modification) has the junk yard housing instead of the new shiny one I ordered for the others, not that it matters other than looks as it is a cast aluminum part with no moving parts, just solid aluminum water neck piece. Anyway, unless I go through the trouble of pulling the shiny one out of my jeep and putting the less shiny one back in after it gets the new spacer modification in it then one of you will get the less shiny housing if you don't mind.
Squeeto wrote:
I like
(thermostat, not lizard).
Thx, put ALOT of time into this and fronted a bit of money for parts, etc also.
racertracer wrote:
Mark,
Looks good, is it complete or still beta testing?
I see you advertise for Geico insurance too, cool.
I believe I am satisfied with the quality and durability of the design now.
I like the new buena-n rubber gasket material much better than the Felpro gasket material. The Felpro material that is for "gas, oil, etc." also said on the packaging it could be used for water and other things. However, it actually wicked the antifreeze through it and left crusty antifreeze minerals around the edge. The new material so far has not done this and I expect it won't. I ordered the new material in 1/8" thickness which is nice and durable, and hopefully reusable. The thickness also allows future designs of the intermediate plate to not need the inside edge countersunk for the thermostat to sit in. This saves on manufacture time which is great. The only down side of the thick gasket material is it has to be hand cut so it may appear a bit tacky if I don't get a perfect cut. I tried buying exhaust pieces, sharpening the edges, and using the press to cut them but the edge of the pipe crushed on the sharpened end before the rubber was cut...more testimony to the durability of the material I suppose, but more work for me.
dgeist wrote:
Sheesh, you guys and your incorrect identification of amphibians... It's either a salamander or a newt
lizards aren't normally content chilling out underwater (with the exception of marine iguanas) and don't have moist, smooth skin.
P.S. On the actual topic of the t-stat, do you happen to have any shots with the new insert (i.e. unit disassembled)?
P.P.S. also wondering on timelines for mass-production
Look what I found:
Tiger Salamander
(Ambystoma tigrinum)
Identification: Skin smooth, moist, sometimes sticky; tail long; four toes on each front foot; maximum total length about 35 cm (less than 14 inches). Color pattern ranges from black with yellowish bars or spots to pale or dark with dark spots or mottling. Adults stocky, with 11-14 grooves on each side of body; head broad, eyes small; small bumps on bottom of feet.
Now we know what he is 
He was roughly 7-8" long for a size reference to the pics I gave you.
Here are the insert pics (previously posted on last page of thread):
It took me 2 1/2 hrs to design and machine the first prototype piece and it pressed in flawlessly with the 20 ton shop press.
On the production note, I finally have a weekend free from friends needing car help...this is happening less and less lately, but I love helping my friends get their cars going so they don't have to pay large amounts of $$$ to those shops.
The good news is I have all day Saturday to work on the thermostats unless another car emergency comes up for a friend. the weekend before last it was a clutch on the 2500 dodge ram...what a pain...lol
Now for a status update on the t-stat project: Currently (not including the one in my jeep) I have:- 4 housings machined
- 4 intermediate plates machined
- 4 radiator hoses purchased
- 4 192* F thermostats purchased (still need to buy a 180*F for squeeto I believe and anyone else that wants a second thermostat temp)
- 4 water outlets available
- 8 SS nuts and 8 SS washers
To do list:- need to cut 4 gaskets for water outlet / 4 for intermediate plate
- need to machine 4 bypass adapters and press those in the units
- need to cut to length 4 short and 4 long SS studs and install in housings
- need to assemble units
- would like to figure out a way to pressure test the units a few psi to ensure no leaks prior to sending...possibly a tire valve stem and caps/clamps to block off ports for testing
- need to get list updated, contact info, paypal info, etc for all that are ready
- need to ship!!!
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