Thermostat install

[TOMRR]

It's been a while since I changed a Thermostat and wanted be sure the first time. I assume the Thermostat goes in first and the gasket goes on top . I do know top from bottom of the Thermostat

Is the gasket enough or should I putt a little sealant like Indian Head Shellac
Thanks Tom C

 

[Big John]

Sealant is good.

Gasket first and then thermostat on top.

 

[TOMRR]

Sealant is good.

Gasket first and then thermostat on top.

That is what I thought There is a grove in the hose housing the thermostat would sit in

 

[quikbird]

little rtv gasket sealer goes a long way. I use either the copper or black one

 

[cj69RR]

A little black RTV solves a lot of small leak issues from not happening.

 

[Ranger]

I didn't use any sealant when I changed mine last summer. No drips, no leaks, no errors.

 

[Mopar Vince]

3 t-stat "tricks"

I have found 2 things that always have served me well when it comes to Mopar thermostats.
1. always test the new t-stat to see if it opens with a pair of pliers and a heat source. (yes. I have had a bad one right out of the box)
2. drill a small hole in the flat part to not trap air. (some actually have this)
3. use a tie wrap through the t-stat and around a drill bit across the outlet to hold it in the groove while mounting. (they always seal better when they are in the groove)

hope this helps you

 

[Basketcase]

I've always used the Indian head stuff.

 

[TOMRR]

Hey now that I got you guys attention ,some times people drill a small hole in the rim of the thermostat to help get all the air out of the system . What size drill and does it work or worth it ??

Thanks TOM C.

 

[Basketcase]

heard of guys doing it, never bothered myself.

 

[quikbird]

1/8 inch is usually what I use

 

[Ranger]

I've never done it either. Not sure I understand the need. Once the stat opens, if there is any trapped air it is released and makes it's way to the top of the radiator. Then again, why would there be air in the system anyway (other than at the top of the radiator)?

 

[Mopar Vince]

Hey now that I got you guys attention ,some times people drill a small hole in the rim of the thermostat to help get all the air out of the system . What size drill and does it work or worth it ??

Thanks TOM C.

I used an 1/8".
I was taught that from an old mopar drag racer who swore by it.
He was the guy on my block when I was a "kid" that was constantly changing motors or working on different projects for people of all brands.
He also worked on the Navy base fields keeping all the old tractors and basically anything with an engine running.
He must have had an air bubble overheating problem at some point that brought him to that procedure.
I figured it couldn't cause any detrimental loss in performance of the t-stat functionality if I did do it but might trap air if I didn't so I have always done it.
As a side note I haven't overheated any cars in the last 20 years that weren't directly related to other failures like holes in the radiator etc.
So maybe it works...maybe I'm just super lucky.

 

[Big John]

I've never done it either and I don't think it's necessary. The thermostat doesn't seal that well to the housing, so I don't think you need the hole. I've never had an issue with airlock.

Not that I think it's a bad idea... and it sure can't hurt.

So I say... do it if you feel like it.