[Shotimes] Thermostat Failure? and Heater Hose Part # 2 & SHO's

[Chris "Zap"]

    Lately I've been getting the classic sticking open thermostat failure
symptom of below NORMAL reading on the "idiot-gauge".  I pulled the
thermostat, which oddly enough is a 1920F unit (didn't think any exact temp
units were available), with what looks like what was one jiggle valve (the
little piece is missing?).  The opening looks offset from center and smaller
than that on the Ford part.  Is it possible for this thermostat to be
failing even though it looks okay?  The only other t-stat I've replaced was
in a 3.0 Sable and it literally blew itself into at least 5 pieces and the
remains were sitting in the block!!  Also, I know at least a few of you guys
told me this before, but I'm not remembering.... which sensor is recommended
to be replaced when doing a thermostat?

    Also, the heater hose is (finally!) off.  There is a hole in the middle
of the rubber portion, like I expected.  I'm contemplating just cutting the
crimp off like was recently recommended, unless someone knows of a place to
find the part without paying a fortune.  I'd prefer to have the car running
ASAP, but I also have hardly any tools (definitely no Dremel to cut the
metal line!!).  It's listed on the dealer diagram as 18D376 (w/ATC), being
the metal assembly.  Then on the diagram, a piece of 3/4 bulk hose connects
it to the block.

    Finally, I just wanted to say thanks for all the help that has been
provided to me in my soon to be 1 year anniversary of owning a SHO.  You
guys are awesome, and the community is definitely a large part of what makes
SHO life great, in addition to the grin on my face every time I step into
the car!! =)  Let's keep 'em running, and I hope to make it to the
convention this summer, especially since I'm originally from Wisconsin!


Thanks,
Chris
'95 Emerald Green MTX (No coolant! Ack!) Build Date ~ 12/9/94
Joy's '94 Moonlight Blue MTX (Clutch baby, needs to get finished soon!)
Build Date ~ 6/14/94