Hello- been a long time since I put a new t stat in. My first attempt leaked bad. Looking for suggestions. Silicone on engine and housing? Silicone on gasket? Both sides? No silicone??

 

Drill a 1/8-inch hole in the t-stat flange to allow trapped air to escape and orient the hole at the 12 o'clock position if the mount is vertical.

Apply dots of rtv and first glue the t-stat in position.

I apply a thin smear of rtv on both sides of the gasket before bolting on the housing...mostly to prevent the gasket from moving.

....and if any rtv oozes out, then ya used too much.

 

As above, also make sure the stat is seated in the housing (hence the glue/adhesive) Hand tighten the hold down bolts, wrench tighten evenly - don't just tighten one side first. Someone here will be able to come up with the torque specs if desired.

 

Ok. Can I test it right away or do I need to wait 12 hours for rtv cure?? Also, my housing is pretty pitted. Should I get a new one?

 

Personally I'd let it set overnight.

Rtv can prolly compensate for the pits but if ya wanna hedge your bets then replace it.


Btw, what engine?????

 

HIO- good tip to drill a burp hole, not many do that anymore. should he run a 180 degree unit ? i think that was stock. tried to send you a msg but your inbox is full.

 

1977 400. The first gasket I used had the self adhesive on one side. Should I look for one without??

 

PM box is cleared. Thanks... been planning to do that.

180° T-stat? No mention of a cooling issue so no change.

It came with self adhesive? Are you sure that wasn't an applied sealing ring? Was it actually sticky?.. if so that's weird... 'never encountered a t-stat gasket like that

 

There are gaskets made (Auto Zone) etc. That are much more that paper. Nice and stiff with a raised bead to seal. You can also double up on the paper ones.

 

T stat is 192. Which I believe OEM was. It did overheat a bit but it was right after I put new temp sending switch in so I believe I just had an air bubble.
The gasket had a white piece of paper that peeled off on one side and underneath it was sticky. Just on one side.

 

Call me old skool but I wouldn't trust that style gasket unless I supplemented the sealing surface with a schmeer of reliable RTV... "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".

 

I hear ya. I'm olds kool too and had never seen one like this and was skeptical. Gonna look for a traditional one. Thanks!

 

Yessiree.... use your inner voice and ask "What would Carroll Shelby do ??"