Thermostat Gasket Woes

[Jacob07]

I have an 88lx (na). Lately its started overheating and everyone has suggested that I change the thermostat. Also they all stressed it was extremely easy. As far as changing the thermostat goes that was easy. The problem arises when I put it all back together and start the car. I end up with coolant dripping around the seal (or spraying depending on how long the car has been running). The first time I figured I had just rushed through it and didn't take the time to get the old gasket off completely. The 2nd time I took my dremel and made sure the old gasket was off and everything was smooth. Put it back together and the same problem. I bought some "super blue gasket maker" and tried that, same problem. (I didn't use a physical gasket because I'm assuming the "gasket maker" replaces that.) Am I supposed to use both the gasket and the gasket maker?

What am I doing wrong? I'm thinking about just taking it somewhere and having someone else mess with it to end my frustration.

Thanks ahead of time for any help!

 

[Stinger]

Well, it shouldn't be that much trouble but I'd use the gasket with a small smear of gasket maker on each side of the gasket...let the blue stuff start to dry (so you can touch it without getting on your fingers before putting it back together.

 

[freakintiger]

What Stinger said plus the following: Don't over-torque the bolts, also don't tighten one all the way down then do the other(s). Jump from bolt to bolt like putting a rim on.

 

[Wannabe2.3T]

and also give time to let the gasket maker dry all the way when you are done installing it. i prefer just using some hi-temp black rtv silicon if your trying to make a gasket where your parts get that hot. but im sure the blue gasket maker is great too. also use it on both sides of the new gasket, and too much is better then not enough.

 

[Red_LX]

Make sure the gasket surface on the block is CLEAN also! I'm using silicone on my thermostat housing right now, and it kept leaking because I didn't get the coolant below the hole in the block, so there was always just a little on the gasket surface that allowed it to leak.