Do you use RTV when replacing the thermostat?

[Skwerly]

I have heard both ways on this one and am curious as to how it’s really supposed to be done. I use it, but it often makes the install messy. Is it really necessary? I’m replacing mine now and all the “How Tos” I find online never mention RTV. Leaks suck.

 

[Ian Christiansen]

I put a little bit on both sides of the gasket. No leaks 9 months later. Plus a little RTV holds the gasket in place.

 

[Skwerly]

That makes sense. I guess I'll try not to get too crazy with the stuff.

 

[jeeptorino68]

yup, just did it this morning, use a light coat

 

[NW-ZJ-SCOTT]

Most new thermostat gaskets have an adhesive side that you peel and stick to the housing..

Regardless, I always smeer a small amount on..

 

[Skwerly]

Yep, I used just a small amount. I had a mechanic friend once who didn't use it at all, on anything, and never experienced any leaks. He says RTV is for suckers lol. He did everything from diff covers to valve covers to intakes - you name it, no RTV.

Thanks, all!

 

[KsMJ]

RTV for use without a gasket, Permatex for use with a gasket. I personally use a gasket with Permatex.

 

[Skwerly]

Yea, I'm big on the Black Permatex. That's what I used.

 

[Johnnie Walker]

Would that make you "both ways" curious?

 

[cruiser54]

Gaskets sealed up just fine for years, like since the early 1900s, without RTV...............

 

[ehall]

I used to smear a light coating of RTV on the paper gasket, but have stopped doing it. For two flat surfaces, the paper gasket is all you need.

Logic dictates that if something cannot help you then at best it can break even and the only other remaining outcome is make things worse. RTV does not make it better so...

 

[t-frady]

I don't use gaskets anymore bad luck with them RTV has never let me down.

 

[cruiser54]

I used to smear a light coating of RTV on the paper gasket, but have stopped doing it. For two flat surfaces, the paper gasket is all you need.

Logic dictates that if something cannot help you then at best it can break even and the only other remaining outcome is make things worse. RTV does not make it better so...

I agree. I have disassembled too many things that the PO has gone ape with RTV on. Gooped up thermostats, valve covers glued on with the excess RTV flopping around loose in the rockers etc. Gasgacinch on a paper gasket works just fine.

 

[birchlakeXJ]

For a situation where the thermostat housing is in excellent condition as is the engine mounting surface, RTV really isn't necessary. But since there can be a gouge or two, it doesn't hurt. Just go easy. More isn't better here!

I just did the stat on my 99. The thermostat gasket came with a small bead of hardened RTV type product on one side that is designed to heat up and seal the one side, and I used a very thin layer of Permatex 2b (black) on the other side.

 

[cruiser54]

For a situation where the thermostat housing is in excellent condition as is the engine mounting surface, RTV really isn't necessary. But since there can be a gouge or two, it doesn't hurt. Just go easy. More isn't better here!

I just did the stat on my 99. The thermostat gasket came with a small bead of hardened RTV type product on one side that is designed to heat up and seal the one side, and I used a very thin layer of Permatex 2b (black) on the other side.

I'm with you. A small amount of Permatex 2B, Gasgacinch, Indian Head Shellac works fine.

 

[moneypit_k5]

i like the copper contact spray. hit both sides of the paper gasket, wait for it to tack up, then install.

 

[Skwerly]

I keep forgetting about that stuff. I used to like it.

 

[Mike Mike]

I always wipe a real thin flim of sealant on the frist couple threads on the thremosat hosing bolts. Never had a stuck or rusty one. When we got my wifes 89 I pulled the rad and flushed it with a garden hose 30 -40 blobs of sealant the size of peas came out.

 

[dellstopjeep]

I use paper and a gasket, and not those stupid adhesive ones that always leak. Always request a fel-pro paper both sided one. BUt the surface on my block and housing is in bad shape so im sure its not helping at all.

 

[Talyn]

I use just a light coat on each side of the gasket. Just enough to cover the gasket. Same for the water pump and timing cover gasket.