Thermostat Housing Leak

[autobahnsho]

I pulled the intake last week to check compression. I must have bumped the thermostat housing, because AFTER I got everything back together and out of the garage it was gushing coolant.

I know that a garage here known for SHODDY work put a thermostat in before I bought the car.

After dealing with a broken stud, I've tried to seal it back up right and I still have a small leak.

The o-ring isn't an "o" so much as a flat-on-two-sides rectangle. I checked the only local American parts store and they don't carry it.
I tried using it with and without: rtv on the edges of the housing, a gasket I cut, and nothing at all.
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Both times it's started leaking after the initial sealup and test drive, and it leaks the NEXT time I run the car. I assume it's expanding/ contracting.

What can I do to seal it up until I can get a new o-ring??

Thanks,

 

[SHOZ123]

My local NAPA has these in stock on a hook. I don't think this a SHO specific part.

 

[autobahnsho]

Thanks, it probably isn't. I'm limited here on options on getting parts, though.
Since it broke loose again Sunday I could open it up and take it into a German store, to see if they have the right size. But I went ahead and ordered it on Autozone.

Another coupla days of riding my bike to work, I guess. Too bad I'm getting really used to that. At least it's only a mile and the weather has been ok.

 

[autobahnsho]

FINALLY got 'er patched up.

The O-ring was in my mail early this week, but I started to take the top nut off and the stupid stud pulls out of the housing.

So this morning I took it in- I had stripped out the bottom nut somehow, so I ended up cutting that stud off, then drilled, re-tapped, and re-tapped the top one.

Instead of studs/nuts I put some bolts through. I was careful to not tighten too much, and it looks like it's done leaking for a while.
What a drama!

My wife is so sick of it we're going used-car ($3800 or less! Can't get a loan. ) shopping today.


May you all never suffer broken studs.