Leaky Thermostat Housing.

[grahamw48]

I'm screwing the car back together, following oil and filter change, and a few other things.

After replacing the thermostat, and fitting new gasket, the housing is leaking.
It's my fault, as I should have put some sealant on it.

Now I just have to take half of the car apart again.

Any suggestions as to best sealant?
The old one seemed to have silicone sealant on it.

The good news is that my car has quite new-looking VENTED discs and matching calipers fitted

I had already had stainless braided hoses fitted all round.

I'm also on the lookout for a (manually operated) electric fan, to suit the V6 rad' - any ideas on what will fit from the local scrappers ?

[jmorgan]

I used hylomar blue(sp?). Off the shelf in Halfords. Follow the instructions on the packet.

[grahamw48]

Thanks Jeff.
I'll pick some up tomorrow, but afternoon is definately
Croft.

[grady]

Graham, big leak or little leak? If everything is aligned correctly you shouldn't need sealant. Assuming a clean mating surface, watch that the black rubber ring and the lip of the stat are aligned perfectly. (Not to say that I didn't use some gasket dressing. Red stuff in a spray can.) A bigger leak is most likely the stat dropping and pitching between the pump and the cover. Grady

[grahamw48]

Grady, it's a steady drip, so I'd say that came under 'big leak'.

I'll have a look again tomorrow.
The garage door has stayed firmly closed today

[wedg1e]

I had a 'stat housing that was warped across its mating face. No amount of sealant would stop it leaking, but a rubdown on some 400 grit W&D with a little oil did the trick...

[grady]

Warned you it would be fun 3rd or 4th time is usually a charm.

>> Edited by grady on Monday 9th May 20:09

[grahamw48]

It gets better.
The housing is broken into two pieces.
I've araldited it back together, as I believe they're hard to get hold of.

Looks like my 'dirty fingernail' days are back.

[grady]

Sounds like exactly what I went through! The housing was some kind of pot metal and as soon as I over-tightened the bolt (pinching the stat) one of the ears broke off.

I was able to source a heavy duty (iron?) housing over here from a Capri specialist. The hose goes off at a somewhat different angle but there was no interference with the frame, etc.

And beware of water pumps too. There are solid steel-iron ones and pressed metal ones.

[york33]

they are hard to get hold of, I spent a while searching, try ebay, that's where mine came from.....

[grady]

Graham, If you can't find one locally, try Norm at www.teamblitz.com/ over here. With the dollar so far down, the price should be a bargain. Grady

BTW, this guy was parting out a 2.8. I thought he had a stat cover listed but can't see it now on the completed items, might be worth an email. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=27377&item=4544419168&rd=1

>> Edited by grady on Tuesday 10th May 14:27

[david.h]

There are at least two stat housings as I found when I bought one from the local scrappie after dropping mine and breaking it into two! I araldited it together and (2 yrs on) It is still together. I have a spare now, but they are rare and pricey.Take care putting the stat back, it can go together a##e about face.

[grahamw48]

Hi dave.
Thanks for the info'.

Mine has broken across one lug, and I've araldited it back together.
If(WHEN) I take it off again, reckon I'll just remove the thermostat, which I just paid nine quid for, and chuck it. Not bothered about slow warm up, in fact it might be a blessing in hot weather.

I wish I'd never touched the thing.