Source for LS1 Thermostat O-ring
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 319
Likes: 40
From: Hemet CA
Source for LS1 Thermostat O-ring
Any ideas other than dealer for replacement of the LS1 thermostat o-ring? I measured it - 2.5" OD, 2.25" ID or thereabouts. Dealer wants 7.20 for a 30cent part. Last, does it need to be replaced each time you take the thermostat off the car? Seems like you should...don't want to get it off and then take days to get another...
Thanks in advance...Bill
Thanks in advance...Bill
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,328
Likes: 1,589
From: Western NY
I would look up an industrial o-ring and gasket supplier. I had the same situation with the o-ring on my Camaro's crank position sensor. GM wouldn't sell it separately, but only as a $35 combination with the sensor. Visited local supplier, got o-ring for $.50.
(look for a Parker seal distributor)
(look for a Parker seal distributor)
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Originally Posted by leadfoot4
I would look up an industrial o-ring and gasket supplier. I had the same situation with the o-ring on my Camaro's crank position sensor. GM wouldn't sell it separately, but only as a $35 combination with the sensor. Visited local supplier, got o-ring for $.50.
(look for a Parker seal distributor)
(look for a Parker seal distributor)
Pro
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 702
Likes: 0
From: Castle Rock Co
Originally Posted by leadfoot4
If you do, make sure that the material is "Buna-N", and not Viton. Viton may not hold up to the heat as well....
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,561
Likes: 448
From: Atlanta metro Ga.
More than you ever wanted to know! 
Standard O-Ring Materials
Nitrile –30° to +250° F
Viton –15° to +400° F
EP –70° to +300° F
Silicone –65° to +450° F
Nitrile ( Buna -N) is by far the most common type of seal material in the world. Its carbon triple-bonded to nitrogen provides resistance to oils and fuels.
Viton® has become one of the most widely used seal materials in the world because of its excellent chemical resistance and outstanding upper temperature limit.
EP ( EPDM ) offers outstanding resistance to polar solvents like acetone, alcohols, and MEK. It is not compatible with petroleum oils and greases.
Silicone is commonly used in medical devices and hot air applications. It uses a silicon-oxygen (siloxane) main backbone for excellent thermal stability. Mechanical properties are generally poor so it should not be used in dynamic applications.
Standard O-Ring Materials
Nitrile –30° to +250° F
Viton –15° to +400° F
EP –70° to +300° F
Silicone –65° to +450° F
Nitrile ( Buna -N) is by far the most common type of seal material in the world. Its carbon triple-bonded to nitrogen provides resistance to oils and fuels.
Viton® has become one of the most widely used seal materials in the world because of its excellent chemical resistance and outstanding upper temperature limit.
EP ( EPDM ) offers outstanding resistance to polar solvents like acetone, alcohols, and MEK. It is not compatible with petroleum oils and greases.
Silicone is commonly used in medical devices and hot air applications. It uses a silicon-oxygen (siloxane) main backbone for excellent thermal stability. Mechanical properties are generally poor so it should not be used in dynamic applications.
Last edited by Dan_the_C5_Man; Aug 17, 2004 at 01:43 PM.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 319
Likes: 40
From: Hemet CA
Thanks, still looking. My local Ace-with-everything and Lowe's were zeros. I'll try Home Depot next. The o-ring size chart was awesome! Wonder how many hundreds I'd have to order at once!?!? Right now, that $7.20 o-ring from the dealer is starting to look better. Otherwise, I'll do as LS1Rat suggests and silicone the sucker. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,561
Likes: 448
From: Atlanta metro Ga.
Originally Posted by billmoore48
Thanks, still looking. My local Ace-with-everything and Lowe's were zeros. I'll try Home Depot next. The o-ring size chart was awesome! Wonder how many hundreds I'd have to order at once!?!? Right now, that $7.20 o-ring from the dealer is starting to look better. Otherwise, I'll do as LS1Rat suggests and silicone the sucker.
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,607
Likes: 1
From: San Francisco CA
You can always try Grainger in Riverside or San Marcos: http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/start.shtml
They sell o-rings in either Nitrile or Viton but only in kits. My local Granger counterman just happened to find the size Viton o-ring I needed on the floor and sold it to me for about a buck
They sell o-rings in either Nitrile or Viton but only in kits. My local Granger counterman just happened to find the size Viton o-ring I needed on the floor and sold it to me for about a buck
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Another option:
McMaster-Carr Part no. 9452K66, Buna-N (Nitrile)
AS568A Dash No. 228, Frac. Size 2-1/4" ID x 2-1/2" OD, (2.234" x 2.512")
Pkg. Qty. 100, Price $12.40/Pkg.
Make sure this is the actual size you need because O-rings are accurately sized and made to fit grooves very exactly.
Then go into business here and sell your excess for a buck apiece.
McMaster-Carr Part no. 9452K66, Buna-N (Nitrile)
AS568A Dash No. 228, Frac. Size 2-1/4" ID x 2-1/2" OD, (2.234" x 2.512")
Pkg. Qty. 100, Price $12.40/Pkg.
Make sure this is the actual size you need because O-rings are accurately sized and made to fit grooves very exactly.
Then go into business here and sell your excess for a buck apiece.
