I just purchased an 85 240DL, 4sp, gas. Great vehicle - but had a rotted engine harness, among other things. So I'm replacing a number of parts (hoses, mounts, etc) - among them the Air Box Thermostat.

I bought a new one from IPD. I removed the old one by compressing the spring, and removing the post that holds the flap, then the thermostat.

I was unable to get the new one installed as the post sits much higher than the old one. I tried putting it in the freezer and that helped - but I still was not able to get it compressed enough to re-install the post with the flap.

I found this post and it seems that I should not have removed the post with the flap.
http://cleanflametrap.com/airbox.html

In a move of brilliance, I managed to eject the pin from the new thermostat into oblivion in my garage somewhere, but the original one as well. Neither one findable, so, I'll be buying another one. Can someone give me a tip on how to get this re-assembled properly without breaking something.

I've read posts about leaving it out - but want this back factory.

Thanks in advance for the help and yes - it is okay to laugh a bit.