I just noticed a green stuff around the base of the thermostat housing, without to see any clear leak, but I suppose its there. The wheep hole of the water pump is ok, no leaks there. no any loose in the coolant tank.
Questions:
1.- I just have to change the o-ring there or use also black RTV?
2.- should I also change the housing?
3.- Are a billet aluminun thermostat housing for OBS
4.- upgrade to 203*T?.
5.- where is the best place to get thouse parts?
6.- What size are the bolts for the housing?
7.- Any tips?
I have read that the thicknes of the o-ring could have differences between some differentes parts stores, is that true?
To my knowledge the billet is only for the Superduties.. If the housing is not rusty, I wouldn't change it.
I've always used permatex on the thermostate gasket. Some say you don't need it, but I like the added comfort.
It's not that hard of a job. Just don't break any bolts off and you wil be fine. The top of the "triangle" bolt can be a little tricky since it's a little tight.
Gasket thickness may very, if you get the 203 it will come with a good gasket.
To my knowledge the billet is only for the Superduties.. If the housing is not rusty, I wouldn't change it.
I've always used permatex on the thermostate gasket. Some say you don't need it, but I like the added comfort.
It's not that hard of a job. Just don't break any bolts off and you wil be fine. The top of the "triangle" bolt can be a little tricky since it's a little tight.
Gasket thickness may very, if you get the 203 it will come with a good gasket.
Thanks Farm for you advices, but when you said that Dieselsite is the olny that offers that housing, you mean Thermostat (203*), right?
__________________ Tim
1997 F-350 CC 4x4 PSD Auto 260K
I am here to help YOU. Disrespect will only stop that process. You are not required to take my advice but if you choose NOT to I will be of no service to you!
I think they are 6mm but I can't remember for sure and I have no idea what thread pitch they are. might even be 4mm. 1.0 or 1.25 pitch MAYBE
Before you remove them take a punch or long extension and set it on the head of the bolt and smack the punch with a hammer. Do that to all three bolts. that give them a little shock treatment to break the corrosion loose a little.
__________________ Tim
1997 F-350 CC 4x4 PSD Auto 260K
I am here to help YOU. Disrespect will only stop that process. You are not required to take my advice but if you choose NOT to I will be of no service to you!
I think they are 6mm but I can't remember for sure and I have no idea what thread pitch they are. might even be 4mm. 1.0 or 1.25 pitch MAYBE
Before you remove them take a punch or long extension and set it on the head of the bolt and smack the punch with a hammer. Do that to all three bolts. that give them a little shock treatment to break the corrosion loose a little.
Ok, thanks for the tip. Im going to check that size when I do the work, but first I have to order the parts, and it takes about 2-3 weeks to come to my door, so be patient
UPDATE:
WOW time passes quickly, more than a year.
Lately the leak has been more noticeable and I want to fix it and Im going to follow the tips written above. I already have the 203* t. and the new neck.
My question is if I have to empty some quantity of coolant from the radiator before make the change or what?.
And now any body has or knows the pitch of the 6 mm bolts?
oreilleys carries a stant thermostat that is the proper one and is 203 degrees for these trucks. They also have a replacement thermostat housing. I've bought about 10 of them so far and all but one I had to go over the weld with my mig welder. The first one had pin holes that I thought wouldn't leak but they did. After that I reweld all of them if I see any kind of pit in the weld. They are much thicker steel than fords and last a lot longer. Just make sure no pits in teh weld when you get it. Murrey makes them in china for oreilleys.
__________________
93 F-250 2 wheel drive extended cab flatbed 7.3 IDI
94 F-350 4X4 crew cab long bed 7.3 Powerstroke
97 F-250 4X4 extended cab long bed 7.3 Powerstroke
07 New Holland TD95D farm tractor. Not quite a Ford anymore but still the right color at least!
oreilleys carries a stant thermostat that is the proper one and is 203 degrees for these trucks. They also have a replacement thermostat housing. I've bought about 10 of them so far and all but one I had to go over the weld with my mig welder. The first one had pin holes that I thought wouldn't leak but they did. After that I reweld all of them if I see any kind of pit in the weld. They are much thicker steel than fords and last a lot longer. Just make sure no pits in teh weld when you get it. Murrey makes them in china for oreilleys.
Thank you RR. I hope that the housing I already have, dont have any issues with the weld.
You will have to drain some coolant. Maybe a gallon or a gallon and a half IIRC. Refill back up to the level of the thermostat before installing it. I wish I had written down that thread pitch and bolt size but it's a 5mm allen head IIRC. I don't remember there being more than one pitch when I got mine but who knows.
__________________
Pete in San Ramon
2005 F250 6.0 Lariat 4x4 CC Short bed (stock)
1997 F250 7.3 XLT 4X4 Reg. cab (stock)
1986 F250 6.9 XLT Gone but not forgotten
You will have to drain some coolant. Maybe a gallon or a gallon and a half IIRC. Refill back up to the level of the thermostat before installing it. I wish I had written down that thread pitch and bolt size but it's a 5mm allen head IIRC. I don't remember there being more than one pitch when I got mine but who knows.
Ok, Pete, thats what I wanted to know, because in one manual says:
1.- Partially drain the cooling system.
But how much?. So thanks. And so the bolts are 5mm not 6mm? or is just the allen size 5mm head of a 6 mm bolt?
__________________
Pete in San Ramon
2005 F250 6.0 Lariat 4x4 CC Short bed (stock)
1997 F250 7.3 XLT 4X4 Reg. cab (stock)
1986 F250 6.9 XLT Gone but not forgotten
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