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Here’s what I learned changing the thermostat housing on our 2015 Countryman S:
Obviously – take a lot of pictures, some of the tie-wraps you have to cut off to move the harness are easily forgotten. A remote hose clamp tool is essential, I simply could not have done this without one. I used a POWERBUILT 24 IN. Flexible Hose Clamp Pliers.
The housing port that connects to the crossover pipe uses a V-clip. And it’s hard to see if the port is inserted to the correct depth, so I painted the groove white.
I broke the coolant return line that connects to the top water port on the turbo (PN 11-53-9-845-352). The local dealer says they sell about 6 a week, and half are sold on Saturday. Consider buying one to have on hand if you can return it in a few days.
If you do break the tee, you have to swap over an old hose to the new tee. I painted an index on the old hose to be sure it correctly feeds the reservoir.
Here is another tip: the clip that holds the thermostat to the crossover pipe does not need to be reinstalled with the new thermostat. Once the thermostat is bolted in place, the pipe is not going anywhere. I was told by a dealer mechanic that the clip is only used for factory assembly.
Here is another tip: the clip that holds the thermostat to the crossover pipe does not need to be reinstalled with the new thermostat. Once the thermostat is bolted in place, the pipe is not going anywhere. I was told by a dealer mechanic that the clip is only used for factory assembly.
Go figure. Took me HOURS to get back in when I did mine :D
I've replaced my thermostat twice. First time, I wrestled with the clip for almost an hour trying to get it in there. Second time, ignored the clip, and the job was completed in half the time.
