Right, put the car back together yesterday, filled back up with AF. Squeezed the inlet and outlet to the rad, both pipes warmed up to the same temp. Ran it to work today around 10 miles, no over heating, temp gauge sat at quater as it always has, hot air from the fans, no steam or smoke from the engine/header tank.

I poped the bonnet at the end of my journy and could see no leaks, no hissing or steam etc. I squeezed the pipes which you could feel had some pressure on, not hard enough to stop me from squeezing but was firm. I have a stainless bailey tank so that was showing no signs of being over preasurised.

What I have noticed now though is the pipe on the left hand side going to the rad is luke warm, the other pipe is nice and hot.

So am I right in saying this is the stat that needs replacing? I will let her cool down again and squeeze all pipes and double check we have no air trapped but pretty sure it is not.

Also, is the thermostat on the engine end of the left hand hose coming from the rad?

Looks to me like it is, 3 or 4 bolts holding it in etc...

Also, when I undo this, will all the water come pooring out? Or will it just empty a bit around that area? will I need to drop the whole water out of the system to replace this?

Thanks

Mark