Thermostat Housing Has a Problem

[EddieO]

While replacing the thermostat, I was unable to get the bolts that hold the water connection on tight. I think they might be stripped.
There was anti-freeze all over the floor from where it was leaking. I guess I have to get the whole housing replaced. That is something I don't think I can do.
How much do you think that will cost? I was thinking about getting the engine rebuilt due to main seal, valve cover, and plug gaskets leaking. I don't know if I should get these problems fixed or will I be better off going the rebuild route.
Eddie

 

[Bizzy]

Eddie--your best bet is to just buy new bolts. Also check your gasket and that everything is lined up properly.

On the rebuild job...I don't think you need to go that far just yet. You can get a gasket set that will take care of the valve cover and plug well leaks and the main seal isn't that much of a PITA. Save yourself a few bucks and try that first. No need to rebuild just yet...my philosophy...if it ain't broke, don't fix it...unless you're upgrading.

Good luck!

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Proud to be an American!

Beth
'91 Plus MTX, Mostly stock
K&N Filter, Coneless
Colgan Custom Bra
Racing Series Driving Lights
Mods in the works
Many items on wish list!

 

[sdpatt]

My Tstat housing is held on by two 10mm aluminum nuts. Check to see if the nuts are stripped. Replace them if they are. If the studs are stripped, that is more of a problem.

Scott

 

[Rob94]

Scott, if the studs are stripped, wouldn't it be possible to recut them, and just go down to a 9mm nut if necessary?? Just a thought, let me know what you think.

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Rob
White 94MTX
K&N Filter otherwise stock

 

[EddieO]

Well another thing that gets me is, I went to Autozone and they told me that I do not need a gasket for my thermostat. I have one around my thermostat, but not between the connections. I went out yesterday and bought Permatex. I have looked for a gasket but can't find one. I'll look at Napa, Pep Boys, and the dealership today.
I'll install everything again and let you guys know what happened.
I don't know about Autozone sometimes. They are not any help with a SHO.
Eddie

 

[sdpatt]

There isn't a gasket between the metal faces of the housing, nor does there need to be. The mandatory rubber seal at the perimeter of the thermostat functions like an O-ring and seals between the two portions of the housing and also sandwiches the thermostat inside. No Permatex is necessary.


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Scott

1991, 254K miles, glass hood, police grill, SVO shifter, Catz fogs,
K&N, 73mm MAF, Superchip, PP Y-pipe, Borla cat-back, 190 lph pump
Eibach/Tokico/polyurethane, SHO Shop front & rear strut braces,
16x7.5" Moda R1, 225/55ZR16 Bridgestone RE730, -1 deg camber x 4,
6 disc CD, Class II hitch, Silver award at SHOklahoma Car Show

 

[srfdude]

Eddie, AZ is right. The only seal is the gasket around the thermo. I wouldn't put anything on the housing.

 

[pjtoledo]

Originally posted by sdpatt:
There isn't a gasket between the metal faces of the housing, nor does there need to be. The mandatory rubber seal at the perimeter of the thermostat functions like an O-ring and seals between the two portions of the housing and also sandwiches the thermostat inside. No Permatex is necessary.

To hopefully keep corrosion to a minimum I put a very thin film of sealant or grease on the mating surfaces. As stated, the O ring is plenty to seal in the coolant. If the t-stat in in crooked, it may seem like the bolts are not tightening correctly. I use only a 1/4" drive socketset on those small bolts to prevent excess torque. The studs are easily replaced, the small outlet housing they screw into is also easily replaced.
Perry Toledo,Ohio

 

[drivinhard]

If you end up needing a new t-stat housing, email me. I have a million here.

[email protected]

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White 92
SR71SHO - racer '89