ParadiseXJ
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Paradise, CA 95969
Gee, I thought they were all pot metal! :gee:
LOL, me too! But I'd avoid cast iron for the rust factor and that aluminum is a little more flexible. The t-stat housing for 90+ 4.0 is not possible to install the stat backwards. My 88 housing has a bigger "bulb" and can be installed backwards.
The key is, spring towards the head and if the stat has a jiggle valve, it should be at the top. Some guys with the closed system will drill a 1/8" hole at 6 and 12 to reduce bubbles forming or getting "stuck" behind the stat. Anyway, installing the stat can be tricky as the stat itself can slip out "just a hair"
I would not depend on the stick-um on the gasket to keep it in place. I've been the victim of impatience too often (two cracked housings). So, I make sure everything is bone dry, then just put a few tiny dabs of RTV on the stat, seat it good and walk away. Come back a half hour later and stab the housing. If you have to crank the bolt on...something's wrong.