Coolant leak.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,438
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From: New Hampshire
Coolant leak.
Guys,
I recently did my 60k coolant flush and refill and since then have had a small
leak from around the dang T-stat housing. I know i have everything in right. Was wondering if i could use a little high temp rtv for extra sealing. I have the 203 degree t-stat and billet housing from Dieselsite.
Thanks Gents,
Nut
I recently did my 60k coolant flush and refill and since then have had a small
leak from around the dang T-stat housing. I know i have everything in right. Was wondering if i could use a little high temp rtv for extra sealing. I have the 203 degree t-stat and billet housing from Dieselsite.
Thanks Gents,
Nut
Last edited by PSNut; Feb 13, 2006 at 08:58 PM. Reason: spacing
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 17,988
Likes: 207
From: La La Land
I use Aviation Form-a-Gasket on these kinds of things. Just a light film on both surfaces. Not plagued with leaks at all. Seals the first time.
I don't like to use RTV on o-rings (unless it's silicone grease in o-ring grooves) as RTV tends to make things a little too slippery, causing o-rings to slip around and get out of place.
It's important to just finger-tighten the three bolts first while holding the housing square on the square o-ring, then tighten the bolts down evenly (same number of turns each) to get the housing exerting even pressure on the o-ring.
Pop
I don't like to use RTV on o-rings (unless it's silicone grease in o-ring grooves) as RTV tends to make things a little too slippery, causing o-rings to slip around and get out of place.
It's important to just finger-tighten the three bolts first while holding the housing square on the square o-ring, then tighten the bolts down evenly (same number of turns each) to get the housing exerting even pressure on the o-ring.
Pop
Last edited by SpringerPop; Feb 13, 2006 at 10:18 PM.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
Likes: 1,111
From: Rio Rico, AZ.
I avoid the use of RTV unless you can give it a minimum of 24 hours to cure before even adding the coolant.
What I do instead is to use a thin film of that silicone based faucet lube that you can get at the hardware store. Apply it to the o-ring. The silicone will allow the o-ring to slide around and adjust to the expansion and contraction of the housing as it heats and cools.
What I do instead is to use a thin film of that silicone based faucet lube that you can get at the hardware store. Apply it to the o-ring. The silicone will allow the o-ring to slide around and adjust to the expansion and contraction of the housing as it heats and cools.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,413
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, MO
Great ideas guys!! I have the same problem as Nut. Once the motor heats up and the metal parts expand, the leak stops. But, I noticed it really bad when I plugged the block heater in, and just the coolant heated up. I was afraid it was something else, like maybe a water pump, but it never leaked before I put the new t-stat in. I saw it dripping under the truck and then noticed it coming out around the housing.
Pop, where can I get the gasket material you speak of? I think I'll try both that and the faucet grease on the o-ring itself. Luckily, I have a new spare on the workbench.
Pop, where can I get the gasket material you speak of? I think I'll try both that and the faucet grease on the o-ring itself. Luckily, I have a new spare on the workbench.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: La La Land
Ace Hardware usually sells it. You could also go down to your local airport and ask a mechanic where he gets his.
Pop
Pop
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,413
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From: Columbia, MO
Originally Posted by SpringerPop
Ace Hardware usually sells it. You could also go down to your local airport and ask a mechanic where he gets his.
Pop
Pop
Originally Posted by Kwikkordead
Dielectric grease for spark plug boots is a suitable substitute as well. My tube from Napa is 100% silicone grease.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 578
Likes: 0
From: Cincy OH
Originally Posted by PSNut
Guys,
I recently did my 60k coolant flush and refill and since then have had a small
leak from around the dang T-stat housing. I know i have everything in right. Was wondering if i could use a little high temp rtv for extra sealing. I have the 203 degree t-stat and billet housing from Dieselsite.
Thanks Gents,
Nut
I recently did my 60k coolant flush and refill and since then have had a small
leak from around the dang T-stat housing. I know i have everything in right. Was wondering if i could use a little high temp rtv for extra sealing. I have the 203 degree t-stat and billet housing from Dieselsite.
Thanks Gents,
Nut
How did you fix yours? Is it okay to put the RTV between the mating surfaces of the water pump and therm housing? Did not want to have excessive material inside the housing that could affect the operation of the t-stat or have RTV fragments floating around in the coolant.
Thanks for any help!
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: New Hampshire
Originally Posted by yellow401
Where you able to fix the leak? I have had the same problem ever since I installed 203 therm and billet housing. I have bought new bolts, 4 new bubber seals, put Permatex "The Right Stuff" on outside of water pump/t-stat housing joint and still have the same small leak!!
How did you fix yours? Is it okay to put the RTV between the mating surfaces of the water pump and therm housing? Did not want to have excessive material inside the housing that could affect the operation of the t-stat or have RTV fragments floating around in the coolant.
Thanks for any help!
How did you fix yours? Is it okay to put the RTV between the mating surfaces of the water pump and therm housing? Did not want to have excessive material inside the housing that could affect the operation of the t-stat or have RTV fragments floating around in the coolant.
Thanks for any help!
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 376
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From: South Dakota
I used Hylomar Gasket and Joint sealing compound when I replace my waterpump. It worked great. I use it for putting garlock seals in turbine engines. A co-worker says he has seen it at NAPA and Carquest.
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