thermostat o ring parts in AZ?

[Un-cowJ]

I ordered the figure 8 o ring from biker bandit for they were the cheapest $11 for an o ring but other links provided they were running $25 cause of shipping. (dang) so does anyone know of a place in Arizona to get parts for 97 polaris slt? Biker bandit write me an email stating the part was discontinued.

[K447]

Discontinued part number? Hmmm.

I have not measured it, but perhaps a regular o-ring of the right size can be convinced to fit into the figure 8 groove. Use some heavy grease to hold it in place while you reassemble the housing.

If it works, post up what spec o-ring you used.

[BlueFishCrisis]

I have received a figure 8 shaped gasket in kits before... Don't remember which brand, but I am sure you oould also cut one out of gasket material.....

[Un-cowJ]

Alright finally got to it sorry for the delay.

I basically took the o ring (size specified in the pics) and twisted it to where the inside ID was on the outside of the o-ring and the outside OD was on the inside.

Used a pair of needle nose pliers to hold it in position and used a torch to heat the o ring up, then cool to form the bend on both sides and then let the o ring untwist to form the figure 8 shape. Apply grease to hold it into the thermostat housing groove and assemble.

It seemed a slight bit thick yet. May be perfect, don't know yet but the flange seated no gap so I'm on the more positive side that it will work.

[Un-cowJ]

Side note might want to apply rtv sealent to the bends they seemed to have little dryness after being heated.

[K447]

... (size specified in the pics) ...

Package says 2 3/16 x 2 x 3/32

Nicely done result. I like the inside-is-outside method for crimping the o-ring with heat set.

How much heat was needed to get the material to accept the new shape? Would a heat gun be warm enough?

Wondering if a little less aggressive heat source would help the material survive with less degradation.

[Un-cowJ]

I think the heat gun would have been a better choice but I unfortunately lent mine out, all I had readily available was a map gas torch. I heated it to were the rubber just started to smoke just barely doesn't take much, i got it in one try but at $1.39 an oring the affordability for a couple trial runs is there. Also used the quick cool method which resulted in a little sizzle on the finger tips but the rubber was not melted liquid gooey still had firmness feel to it, if this helps discribe the amount of heat used.

[Un-cowJ]

Ride Now Chandler Az was able to order this part and it cost $7 total. Haven't gone to the lake yet with the experimental o ring but when i do i will update the results as to if it held up or not.

[K447]

Ride Now Chandler Az was able to order this part and it cost $7 total. Haven't gone to the lake yet with the experimental o ring but when i do i will update the results as to if it held up or not.

Which part?

[Un-cowJ]

Figure 8 o ring thermostat housing gasket. When ordering online from the links provided on this forum they wanted$25-$50 after shipping. This place in Chandler which I accidentally stumbled upon while servicing 4 Wheelers ordered it for me for $7. Just fyi for Arizona people.