I lost well it pinged off somewhere the large v clip which connects the large pipe of the back of the thermostat housing, where can I find a replacement - is it needed?
Everything else went back together it seems but cant fire it up until I have that clip.
Thanks in advance for your help.

 

Are you talking about the clip that connects the water pipe to the thermostat housing? If so that clip is HERE. #3 below. It's definitely an important component otherwise you'll have a coolant leak. If you need anything else let me know.

 

We've got some used ones from engines replaced that I could ship out tomorrow.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/product...7&cat=0&page=1

 

Already helped

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...rmostat-7.html

 

Just went thru the thermostat fix this weekend. Thought I would post to hopefully help someone out.

I also 'lost' the c-clip when trying to get this on. Went to the dealership to get coolant and picked up another clip. They charge me $5 for it. Anyway, while there I spoke to the Mini techs about getting this clip on. They mentioned it was one of the more difficult connections on the car. Here are the tips that saved me a ton of time getting this on.. and honestly.. it took about 5 minutes to get it connected in the back.

1. Remove old thermostat per instructions here.
2. When putting the thermostat in the water pump hose, put the thermo in tightly, but don't secure it with the screws to the block (yet).
3. Take a lineman's pliers, and take about an 1/8 of an inch off the bottom of the clip on one side (about 1/2 of the bottom.. see pic). This will not compromise the functionality of the clip (I asked).
4. Insert the 'shorter' end nearest the engine, and the 'longer' end will easily roll into the groove of the hose.
5. Now, carefully secure the thermostat per the usual instructions.

thx

 

Good advice, When I pulled the clip out a hair I then held it with needle nose pliers so it would not fall into the engine bay. Did the same on install.