I'm set to install a new otterstat this weekend and would certainly appreciate any tips or suggestions. Here's what I thought might be a good approach, so let me know if it seems OK or if there's a better method.
1. First jack up the rear so I have ample room.
2. Catch pan under car and several towels readily available.
3. Fill up the coolant system expansion tank and put the cap back on.
4. Get the new otterstat ready by putting on the gasket the putting a little stem lubricant around the gasket to make it easier to insert.
5. Pop off the retainer clip on the existing otterstat. (How careful do I need to be? I don't have a new replacement clip. Worst case have some plastic ties ready.)
6. Get the new otterstat at hand ready to insert.
Two choices:
7a. Rock the existing otterstat and gasket back and forth to loosen the pull both otterstat and gasket out together - immediately insert new otterstat with casket.
7b. Try to loosen the otterstat and gasket. Then pull out the otterstat followed closely by pealing out the gasket (while keeping the hole plugged with thumb) then quickly insert the new otterstat with gasket.
8. Is there any flaw in assuming I can insert the otterstat with gasket attached? Or is it necessary to get the new gasket in place then insert the new otterstat?
9. Reinstall the retainer clip.
9. Remove excess from expansion tank.
Any comments or tips would be greatly appreciated. Don't want to overthink this but would like to loose as little coolant as possible.
Thanks,
Ron