Coolant leak

[madmach]

Hey gang, looks like I've got a leak coming from the thermostat housing where it joins the block (351 Cleve). I've got coolant pooling around the MSD distributor. I used an O ring instead of a gasket when I changed the thermostat. I'm going to go try and source out the proper gasket but any suggestions on using silicone or some other type of sealant goop?

 

[mudbilly]

i've always used Permatex high-Temp Red RTV Silicone Gasket........

http://www.permatex.com/documents/GasketMakerSelector.pdf

 

[jorgem2]

I have had good luck with Fel-pro paper gaskets.

Make sure thermostat housing is not warped, you can lay a sheet of sandpaper on a flat surface and sand it down a bit.

 

[Tnfastbk]

x2 with mudbilly

 

[droptop73]

I have had good luck with Fel-pro paper gaskets.

Make sure thermostat housing is not warped, you can lay a sheet of sandpaper on a flat surface and sand it down a bit.

X2 good gaskets and flat surfaces are key. I've had good results with Permatex black adhesive silicone also 3M super weather strip adhesive for stubborn places.

 

[madmach]

Thanks guys, I'm not going to tackle this till the spring but I want to get the stuff I need. Thx for the advice.

 

[mach1460]

"Right Stuff" is very expensive but is second to none in my opinion. Comes with 2 tubes and a gun (like a caulk gun, which makes applying easy and accurate) Everything i have ever sealed with it has stayed leak free and ive been using it since 03 when a guy i worked with introduced it to me. Its like 36.00 for the set here last time i checked but you can do many many projects with the kit. Ive seen it at most auto parts stores. Like said above TWO perfectly clean surfaces is key. I also always use brake clean to remove all grease and other crap since it leaves no residue but be careful because I have heard it can eat paint.

Good luck!!!

 

[canadian_red_maple_leaf]

i ground the housing down until it was perfectly flat and then used silicone and the paper seal. no leaks till now

 

[droptop73]

A belt sander can do wonders for something like that.

 

[71fastback]

i ground the housing down until it was perfectly flat and then used silicone and the paper seal. no leaks till now

I also used both the high temp. silicone and the paper gasket and havent had a leak.

 

[madmach]

i ground the housing down until it was perfectly flat and then used silicone and the paper seal. no leaks till now

I also used both the high temp. silicone and the paper gasket and havent had a leak.

I'm guessing I can get the gasket and silicone at NAPA?:huh:

 

[mudbilly]

A belt sander can do wonders for something like that.

unfortuantly , a belt sander in the wrong hands can do ALOT of damage.......

 

[Tnfastbk]

i ground the housing down until it was perfectly flat and then used silicone and the paper seal. no leaks till now

I also used both the high temp. silicone and the paper gasket and havent had a leak.

I'm guessing I can get the gasket and silicone at NAPA?:huh:

Yes you can

http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Results.aspx?Ntt=themostat%20housing&N=599001+101971+50026+2026026+4026026+5999999&Ntk=Keyword

http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Results.aspx?Ntt=permatex&Nao=10&Nty=1&N=0&Ntk=Keyword

 

[droptop73]

A belt sander can do wonders for something like that.

unfortuantly , a belt sander in the wrong hands can do ALOT of damage.......

TRUE!!!

To the part and/or to the hands!

Saw many scary things teaching industrial arts.