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I have to hand, all the parts necessary to assemble the thermostat on my L134 motor . Problem for me was that the internals were missing when i got the vehicle . Ive looked at the assembly proceedure in the manual but it doesnt make sense. The domed retainer is shown facing upwards when the the whole thing is bolted onto the engine .This would allow the thermostat to flop about . If the retainer is assembled with the dome facing down ,it would hold the thermostat in position . In the end does it matter which way up things are assembled as long as the thermostat opens and closes ok.?

The retainer holds the thermostat in the upper part at the top of the housing. There should also be a gasket on the upper ledge that goes above the thermostat. The whole thing then bolts to the head with another gasket there. Make sure you have a 1/8 inch bleed hole in the thermostat which equalizes the antifreeze on each side so it doesn't have a air bubble there. Strange setup, but that's the way they are! John

Thanks for that John . I guess ill have to drill a bleed hole in the thermostat .Strange ....it came from willys too. Does the spring face downwards when fitted in place or does it matter ?

The sensing bulb part of the thermostat goes down.