Thermostat - belt and braces?

Okay - post hgf we've got the multi layer head gasket on, new metal dowels, new water pump, new cam belt, new cam seals etc etc and replaced the thermostat in the pipe at the rear of the engine between the engine and gearbox. The old one didn't have the little hole in it.

Then we discovered the second thermostat in front of the engine and just below the radiator. This one seems to be slow opening.

So question is, it's a 2001 on a Y plate, why the two thermostats - is that correct or should there only be one? Has someone fitted an updated system and forgotten to remove the old thermostat?
I know the wisdom on MGF is to have two fitted to reduce the thermal shock of all that cold water from the front end - but on Freebie?
Help please

I am more up on the MGF/TF than the Freelander but suspect its the same situation. hen the change was made to the PRT thermostat on the TF it was fitted in place of the traditional wax type stat at the engine however they did still fit what looks like a stat at the engine but with the central opening part removed.

Hopefully someone can confirm if its the same with the Freelander

you should only have the remote stat near the rad, the rear one is replaced with a dummy unit (no guts in it)
i can see you having a world of problems running 2 stat's

Agreed, old stat is replaced with just the blanking ring, they should be an official LR part number PEL000040

1st attachment shows Rimmer bros catalogue, I see they are doing a new seal as well, the old seals are fairly robust

Stat ring is only added to 'pack out' the void in the stat housing at the back of the engine, as without it, system would leak.

Note there are 4 types of stat which are used as bypass stats:

PRT Colours
- Cream is 88° With hard Spring [Designed for Diesel and V8 applications]
- Black is 82° With Hard Spring (Designed for a V8 and used as a stopgap with K4 engines)
- Grey is 82° With Light Spring (Ideal for 1.8 k4 engines)

Not forgetting the remote thermostat is now available (Black housing IIRC), which is the standard old stat now at the front of the engine, with additional small bypass pipe.



The alternative (my fav) on waiting to order a stat ring from your local dealer............

Using a dremel - sheer off the crimped metal studs/welds on the old stat (see attachment), you can also drill them out.
Remove the centre bulb and pin. Leave the centre bridge in place, clean off any metal/dust then refit in the old stat housing at the back