Basic Thermostat Question
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,227
Likes: 0
From: Corona CA
Basic Thermostat Question
I bought the 180 thermostat and am going to put it in today. Just for kicks I read the Helms manual. In the manual there is no gasket. It just says to use a thin bead of RTV sealer.
Anybody else use or not use a gasket? (I did buy one)
:confused:
[Modified by rcolling, 7:47 AM 8/26/2001]
Anybody else use or not use a gasket? (I did buy one)
:confused:
[Modified by rcolling, 7:47 AM 8/26/2001]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,388
Likes: 42
From: Murrysville PA
Re: Basic Thermostat Question (rcolling)
I always use RTv and also a gasket. I think that is what they mean. Coat each side of the gasket with a thin layer. I never had a leak.
[Modified by 89vette, 9:40 AM 8/26/2001]
[Modified by 89vette, 9:40 AM 8/26/2001]
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,227
Likes: 0
From: Corona CA
Re: Basic Thermostat Question (Ed Ut)
Ed,
After a lot of thought and watching all the talk about 160 stats I have decided to use the 180. This is my daily driver. My daily commute to work is 5 miles. I am worried the car will not get hot enough in the 5 mile commute with the 160 stat. If the normal drive was longer the 160 would have been my choice.
I also have the 200-185 fan switch to put in.
After a lot of thought and watching all the talk about 160 stats I have decided to use the 180. This is my daily driver. My daily commute to work is 5 miles. I am worried the car will not get hot enough in the 5 mile commute with the 160 stat. If the normal drive was longer the 160 would have been my choice.
I also have the 200-185 fan switch to put in.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
From: Mesa Az
Re: Basic Thermostat Question (rcolling)
After reading various other posts concerning the thermostat, I believe you should drill a 1/8" hole in the mounting flange. The purpose is to let coolant flow at all times. Might want to try it.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 22,267
Likes: 3
From: Dallas TX
Re: Basic Thermostat Question (Sarkee)
I just replaced my waterpump and t-stat, and the first time i put it together, I forgot to put RTV around the o-ring of the t-stat, and it leaked out pretty nice. I quickly fixed it... but RTV on the rubber of the 0-ring attached to the t-stat, as well as around the surrounding area of the goose neck touches the waterpump. I haven't seen a drop from there since then.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,208
Likes: 22
From: Glenshaw, Pa. Near Pittsburgh U.S.A.
Re: Basic Thermostat Question (rcolling)
:cool: I put a 180 therm & a 185 on and 200 off fan switch in the 84 last winter. I have been really happy with the performance as the temp has not gone above 210 all summer even in very hot weather with stop and go city driving. It used to get to 230 before the fan would kick on. :eek: I also noticed by the dash average milage indicator that my gas milage has increase by about 1 more mile per gallon? :confused:
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,946
Likes: 63
From: Marianna FL
Re: Basic Thermostat Question (Sarkee)
LT1/4 thermostat is not a conventional SBC thermostat. The L98 uses a conventional thermostat. You can go to the autoparts store and get a thermostat for $6 for the L98 (if you get the higher quality one with a gasket). The LT1/4 has a cut out in the housing for the o-ring. I didn't use any sealant on either of my LT4 thermostats and have had zero leaks.