Thermostat

[icanfixit]

I am looking for a thermostat for my 320. The one I think came out of it has the following on the top

GEWASTAT 35 K.L.N.

is there a modern replacement?

Chris

[icanfixit]

I got a lead on a company named Wahler. They should have a match for my thermostat but I can not find a good reference in a catalog. Has anyone matched up the t-stat in the photo?

Chris

[John Ellis]

Wahler was the manufacturer that supplied thermostats for the post war 170/220 models.  They don't currently produce vintage OEM parts but I know that others have adapted the internal mechanism into their in-line type thermostats.  Here is a link to their catalog with diagrams of the various types of thermostats starting on page 60.  Good luck.

http://www.wahler.de/fileadmin/wahler/Dokumente/pdf_kataloge/48899_NKW_Kat.pdf

Have you tried contacting the MB Classic Center for their recommendations?

What does the housing look like for the thermostat?  Is it mounted in the radiator hose or at the engine block?

Here are some thermostats with engine mounted housings for other pre-war models.

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/mercedes-classics-jever/Motor-Getriebe-/_i.html?_fsub=1027416013&_sid=936069923&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

[icanfixit]

Thanks for the info. I am including a photo of the housing in the head. The head came off last week to get a crack repaired. The head gasket was also leaking at the water pump. The lower disk works to shut off the passage below.

Chris
 

[John Ellis]

Looking at your picture, I don't think that you need to get an original thermostat that closes off the opening at the bottom of the head.  It is probably is going to be almost impossible to find a replacement thermostat that matches the diameter of the housing flange, length of the valve closure rod, and the diameter and seal type of the valve closure disk. 

I would place a normal cartridge type thermostat between the flanges at the top of the head (see picture of type I am referring to below).  The only limitation will be if there is enough clearance in the hose connection housing to accommodate the top portion of the thermostat.  Other than that, all you need is the diameter of the flange to match your needs and of course the temperature setting (35 deg C or 95 deg F).

Worth a try!!

[Henry Magno]

I believe you do need the thermostat to close off that port, otherwise  coolant won't circulate (or circulate enough) to the radiator. Unfortunately I don't have a source for these but I'd contact any German parts supplier who has any dealings in pre-war cars. Thermostat housings and thermostats used to be available (repro) for 200's and 230's, but I'm not sure whether the insert was the same as the 320. I don't think so.