Replacing thermostat housing

[further]

Hey guys,
I'll be replacing the t-stat housing this weekend... Do I install the gasket dry? Or do I need to use some dressing of some sort. Sorry if this is a stupid question but I'm a total noob working on this motor.
Thanks in advance.

 

[wrench 3]

Re: Replacing thermostat housing

Everyone has a different idea of what should be used. I just use chassis grease. It helps hold the gasket in place, lets the gasket ooze into any low spots and makes removal a lot easier next time.
But I'm sure you will get a lot of other suggestions, and most of them will work OK.

 

[film842]

Re: Replacing thermostat housing

Everyone has a different idea of what should be used. I just use chassis grease. It helps hold the gasket in place, lets the gasket ooze into any low spots and makes removal a lot easier next time.
But I'm sure you will get a lot of other suggestions, and most of them will work OK.

By "chassis grease" do you mean something like wheel bearing grease? Thanks.

 

[BRICH1260]

Re: Replacing thermostat housing

Right or wrong, I`ve smeared a light coating of rtv gasket silicone on mine to make the paper last a little longer. Has always worked.

 

[further]

Re: Replacing thermostat housing

By "chassis grease" do you mean something like wheel bearing grease? Thanks.

I think any Molly fortified or lithium based all purpose grease from what I'm reading on line.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Replacing thermostat housing

I use this:
Amazon.com: Permatex 80019 Aviation Form-A-Gasket No. 3 Sealant, 4 oz.: Automotive

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Replacing thermostat housing

Napa's version of Permatex #3 is just called form-a-gasket. the private lapeling has big NAPA letters and nearly microscopic Permatex letters.

however for the T-stat housing, I have silicone coated gaskets. then again, I switched to closed cooling. However in the past I used Ultra-copper RTV on the thermostat gaskets. I still use it on nearly everything else.

 

[further]

Re: Replacing thermostat housing

So I'm clear, you're using the permatex #3 or ultra copper RTV as a dressing or as the gasket itself?

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Replacing thermostat housing

Use the gasket and the permatex...permatex by itself will not hold relieably

 

[further]

Re: Replacing thermostat housing

Use the gasket and the permatex...permatex by itself will not hold relieably

Thanks! Clear now...

 

[wrench 3]

Re: Replacing thermostat housing

The grease I use is just the stuff you'd have in you grease gun.
I know when I read the directions that come with some of the gasket sets, I'm thinking that if I was to use all the goop that they say I wouldn't need the gaskets.

I was given the grease idea by an old mechanic who was probably fixing cars in the 1940s. But it's always worked very well as long as you have two flat surfaces. I've also had to use a hammer and chisel to remove gaskets that those "glue everything" guys have installed.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Replacing thermostat housing

I've also had to use a hammer and chisel to remove gaskets that those "glue everything" guys have installed.

I usually never use the permatex on aluminum housings for that reason but on steel housings, its not too bad taking them off using a gasket scraper and a heat gun.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Replacing thermostat housing

Volvo uses permatex #3 to seal their outdrives. it is a biotch to get off years later even using solvents. I did end up using the 3M scotchbright pads.

however I have used either the ultra copper or the permatex on T-stat gaskets. I have not used both at the same time.