Thermostat Housing Still Leaking After Installation...

[UKJEEP]

Definitely putting the right fluid in the right place - but the idea raised a smile.

I've been checking this on & off over a period of several months but anyway the coolant was added ready mixed.

However will take forward you idea of when to check level & make a point of checking it in the morning (assuming I haven't been driving all night, of course!) - thanx!

 

[O-Gauge Steamer]

I do not use a tstat gasket. I also secure the tstat with a very little dab of RTV. I then apply the sealant to the housing with the tip of my finger. Only enough so that you can see it. No bead... Just a very light even coating. It is all you need. I can not tell you the number or radiators I have seen that were plugged with sealant. For that matter, the one I just replaced in my 98 was plugged with a combination of sealant and mud... I guess when you buy a low mileage 98 from the Stealership for not very much money, you must expect to find odd and unusual things.

 

[mfascuba]

What are you messing around with RTV for? Indian Head gasket shellack (or gasket cement) is the right product to use on the paper gasket. And replace the housing, it's less than ten bucks and probably ready to start leaking anyway. Easier to put a new one on than clean up the old one if you're working on a planned repair. (different by the side of the road).

Mark

 

[O-Gauge Steamer]

Back (Sherman, get the way back machine) before I started using silicon sealant, I used a product called gask-a-sinch. It was a modified rubber cement that never completely hardened thus making removal easy. What I see, only an opinion mind you, as a problem with a shellack base sealer is that it is a glue. Sets up hard. Also a pain to remove. Does seal though, I'll give you that...

 

[mfascuba]

Back (Sherman, get the way back machine) before I started using silicon sealant, I used a product called gask-a-sinch. It was a modified rubber cement that never completely hardened thus making removal easy. What I see, only an opinion mind you, as a problem with a shellack base sealer is that it is a glue. Sets up hard. Also a pain to remove. Does seal though, I'll give you that...

I figure if I get it to seal and it's a new housing & thermostat, it will be a while before I have to take it apart again. I might get lucky and it lasts the rest of the time I own it - in any case it doesn't leak. Works for me!

Mark

 

[joe_peters]

A flat edge, a glass table top or just a flat piece of glass allows you to check the mounting surface of a thermostat housing quickly.

Good luck.