Termostat gasket

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Apr 11, 2003 | 05:37 PM

BIG K

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Joined: Nov 1999

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From: Woodland Ca

Termostat gasket

I used a thick gasket that doesn't require liquid gasket. I torqued it to the GM specs, 25 ft. lbs. on the back side but couldn't get to the front to torque it. I had to use my best guess with open end wrench. The instructions with the gasket did NOT have any torque specs with it.
It is leaking on the front side.
Has anyone used one of these?
Sounds like my best bet is to take it off and get a $.89 paper gasket and use some permatex.
What do you think?

Apr 11, 2003 | 05:46 PM

weekendwrench

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2000

Posts: 958

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From: SF Bay area, CA USA

Re: Termostat gasket (BIG K)

All I have ever used are the regular gaskets and coated them with a little grease to hold it in place. I have never torqued one just tighten until snug. Make sure the surfaces are clean and flat.

Apr 11, 2003 | 10:54 PM

Sam Lam

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 2002

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From: St. Charles, MO Route 66 Corvette Club

Re: Termostat gasket (BIG K)

I have owned SBC for many years and found that the thermostat housing bulb tends to "bow" up in the middle and down by the two bolts. I put the housing on a belt sander and take off a very small amount of aluminum to make the mating surface flat. Since I have done this, I have not had a leak. I use the thick gaskets and hand tighten to an equal torque. If you cannot find a belt sander, I will do it for you! Regards,. Sam

Apr 11, 2003 | 11:03 PM

ciscokid

Instructor

Joined: Mar 2003

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From: West Sacramento CA

Re: Termostat gasket (BIG K)

I would insure that your surfaces are clean. Use the card board gasket and apply some aviation permatex to both sides. Let it cure for 24 hours for best results. You should not have a leak. Are you sure you do not have a crack in the housing?

Apr 11, 2003 | 11:47 PM

BIG K

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From: Woodland Ca

Re: Termostat gasket (ciscokid)

ciscokid, It didn't leak prior to my rebuild. I will check it though when I take it of momenarilly.
Sounds like I need to use quite a bit of RTV since the uneven surface.
Thanks for the sanding offer. If it is warped I think that I can find a way to smooth it out.

Apr 12, 2003 | 05:12 AM

65Z01

Team Owner

Joined: Dec 2000

Posts: 90,675

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From: SE NY

Cruise-In II Veteran

Re: Termostat gasket (BIG K)

Try some Permatex #2 on each side of the gasket and hand tighten evenly.

Apr 12, 2003 | 11:51 AM

tim87

Instructor

Joined: Mar 2002

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From: Teaneck NJ

Re: Termostat gasket (BIG K)

I couldn't get mine to seal at all using a gasket. I tried it with and without RTV (on the surfaces and gasket) in various combinations including letting it seal overnight, etc. I sanded the thermostat housing and even bought a new housing without success. Finally I did it with RTV alone (red RTV in this case but probably blue would work as well) and it sealed perfectly.

:seeya

Apr 12, 2003 | 02:34 PM

BIG K

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From: Woodland Ca

Re: Termostat gasket (tim87)

Thanks tim87. I went to the extent of taking off the TBA so that I could get a streight shot at the front bolt with the torque wench. I used black RTV on both sides of the gasket. As soon as I get the timing light from a friend I will let you know what Happens. :thumbs: