Thread: Backing an Aussie Manufacturer

Originally Posted by Gravy

I have communicated elsewhere my intentions to replace the thermostat on my TDV6 3.0. After searching the suppliers I decided to bite the bullet and go for: Tridon Thermostat for Land Rover Discovery IV SDV6 TDV6 Range Rover LG TDV6 3.0L.

Tridon components have been my go to for other vehicles, hope this component is of like quality as the price is right.

Most Tridon these days are made in China and the website says "100% Australian owned and managed" not Australian made.

After a long delivery delay the Tridon Branded Thermostat arrived, quality of build was excellent.

I found the detail of components that were required to be removed was in error, no need to remove LH Front Wheel or the ally heat shields. Removal of the coolant and unbolting the oil cooler gave sufficient access to remove the hoses from the existing thermostat housing. Snag was to get the right angel plastic elbow to release from the housing, repeated heating with a hot air gun finally got the job done. This task requires a high level of patience, time and dexterity with the right tools. Having very small hands made the task doable with no skin loss.

Testing and inspection the original thermostat found it functioning normally, I am therefore at a loss as to why my engine is extremely slow to reach operating temperature.

I have yet to test whether the new thermostat performs differently as whilst the coolant is dropped I intend to back flush and clean the cabin heater matrix.

Time will determine outcomes, which appears to be needed in surplus to keep this vehicle fully operational.

Originally Posted by Gravy

After a long delivery delay the Tridon Branded Thermostat arrived, quality of build was excellent.

I found the detail of components that were required to be removed was in error, no need to remove LH Front Wheel or the ally heat shields. Removal of the coolant and unbolting the oil cooler gave sufficient access to remove the hoses from the existing thermostat housing. Snag was to get the right angel plastic elbow to release from the housing, repeated heating with a hot air gun finally got the job done. This task requires a high level of patience, time and dexterity with the right tools. Having very small hands made the task doable with no skin loss.

Testing and inspection the original thermostat found it functioning normally, I am therefore at a loss as to why my engine is extremely slow to reach operating temperature.

I have yet to test whether the new thermostat performs differently as whilst the coolant is dropped I intend to back flush and clean the cabin heater matrix.

Time will determine outcomes, which appears to be needed in surplus to keep this vehicle fully operational.

You mention being slow to reach operating temp.
My 3.0 D4 takes (roughly, as I've never bothered to take accurate reading of klms/time) a good 4-5 klms to head over 80 odd degrees according to my Scanguage.
On an average temp day it runs around 88 deg.
I assume it's normal as it's done this for past 100,000 klms.