So I have a drip from the t-stat housing again. A little while back noticed a drip so I got a new gasket and I though I fixed it. How are u fellas getting this damn thing to seal? I haven't had this problem with other vehicles
Tips To Getting T-stat Housing To Seal?
- Thread starter 90lxwhite
- Start date
I haven't had any trouble getting mine to seal. However, I always use a layer of thermostat sealer along with a new gasket. the sealer helps hold the thermostat and gasket in place when installing.
I love Love LOVE the Black Permatex that comes in the cheeze-whiz can. It is hands down the ONLY engine sealant that has never caused me to take something back apart because of an, "Ooops". Just use a regular ole t-stat housing gasket and put a small bead of Permatex on each side. I usually use one tiny dot of super-glue on the t-stat itself just to hold it place until everything is back together. That tiny dot dissolves and will be gone long before you ever think of replacing the t-stat again.
You can get it to seal with RTV, but it won't last. It really should have a gasket. Factory housings are famous for warping, and that's what causes most of them to leak. Check the thermostat housing with a straight edge and a feeler gauge. If it's warped, it needs to be changed. Preferably to a cast iron one.
Kurt
Kurt
5.0 Ford Guy
Founding Member
Ahh, there's your problem.
I'm with Noobz on this one. Anything I assemble that comes in contact with coolant gets a small bead of RTV Black on the gasket. I always have some around here and use it on the hot tub, pool, etc. I put that sh!# on everything. It works great.
I'm with Noobz on this one. Anything I assemble that comes in contact with coolant gets a small bead of RTV Black on the gasket. I always have some around here and use it on the hot tub, pool, etc. I put that sh!# on everything. It works great.
88stang88
5 Year Member
It might have come warped then. A little RTV with the gasket can't hurt, but I would still use the gasket. Make sure the thermostat is staying in the groove. It likes to fall out and jam between the intake and the housing.
Kurt
I just replaced mine a few weeks ago, no leaks, used the normal felpro gasket, no rtv. I take a piece of fishing line and run it through the part of the thermostat that sits in the housing. I then tie it together so its a circle and run it through the housing where the hose to the radiator goes. I put a screwdriver through the fishing line, and twist it till the pressure is holding the thermostat in place, put the gasket on the housing and slide the bolts through. Line it up with the engine, and then tighten the bolts up. Once its all tight, I untwist the screwdriver and cut the fishing line, pulling the line out as one piece. This prevents the thermostat from sliding around during install. I have done it twice now and both times no issues. I got the idea from another member here who used a rubber band, I just didn't have a rubber band available.
Black RTV again for the win. A thin bead to both sides of the gasket and then I let it set for a few hours before I even think about running fluid through it.
I just use a little gasket tach to glue the thermostat in place on one corner so it doesn't fall out.
Kurt
Kurt
Right Stuff from Permatex sheot is great only downside sets up real quick and is expensive
f8tlfiveo
My wife likes my spool and blow-off valve.
mikestang63
SN Certified Technician
I've used both blue and black with a fel pro gasket and never had a leak. Let the RTC set up a little until tacky. I agree do not use those crappy aftermarket housings. Lay the housing face down on a flat surface or place a flat edge on it to see if it is warped first.
I'd like to meet the Ford engineer who designed that whole stat housing with the lower bolt and bypass hose setup and kick him in the nuts.
I'd like to meet the Ford engineer who designed that whole stat housing with the lower bolt and bypass hose setup and kick him in the nuts.
As a certified mechanic, I can assure you there are plenty of other automotive design mishaps that warrant a harder nut kicking.
Kurt
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