Just changed the thermostat in my 98 Vanden Plas and when I pulled the three bolts holding the thermostat cover in place, two came out with the threaded inserts still attached? It's Sunday, cant get parts so I thought I was done for a few days. After looking at the housing again, I removed the third threaded insert and replaced all three with a brass sleeve the same thickness as the plastic housing to eliminate any compression of the thermostat housing. I installed three M6 bolts and locking nuts, everything is fine and I should get many more miles out of the factory thermostat housing.....plus I saved a few bucks


Hope this can help someone!!

 

You won't beat changing it for the aluminum tower, I have seen the nut 'n bolt treatment done many times and in 90% of cases after a period of time for some reason the flanges from the tower to the thermostat cover distorted, possibly from over tightening and heat maybe.......... Be prepared as it maybe only a temporary fix