Lazarus catches second gear,what's inside the SPICA TA?

[Milanogold@domain.elided]

Greetings Alfisti!
      First, a hearty THANKS to all for their help in "walking me through" the
shifter replacement on Lazarus, my "79 Alfetta Velocissima.Never did a shifter
before, but followed all advice given through the digest and fellow digesters
and did it with no problem.I'd feared an all day job,but It took an hour! I
think you can imagine my happiness on the first shift into second gear without
(too much) grinding.The synchros are weak,but it's there.Changed the fluid
once already with Alfa Spec gear oil, would synthetic transaxle oil improve
the performance of the transaxle?
       Also, I have a question for the SPICA owners out in digest land.What is
contained in the thermostatic actuator?Mercury?How exactly does it work?I
figure it works on a pressure principle, but I'm truly not sure.I'm changing
mine out and using a Shankle sure start (as a matter of pure economics
only;new TA $195.00;Shankle sure start,$69.00)but I want to know how the TA
works.............
Thanks in advance,
Terry and Sharon Akins (celebrating 2 years of wedded,Alfa laden bliss
Mar.15th)
Alexandria,VA
1987 Milano Gold (alfie)
1979 Alfetta Velocissima (terrorizing the DC beltway with bad rear shocks and
all 5 gears!)

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