Help - fitting new thermonstat

[FergusG]

Tried to fit a new thermostat yesterday and after hours of balancing the stat gasket and housing in mid air whilst trying to get the bolts in I thought I had done it. Took it for a run to make sure today and left a trail of coolant behind me. The joint is leaking when up to pressure. I presume the stat slipped down as I was locating the housing and has stopped the gasket from doing its job properly. Has anyone got any tips as to how to get the stat and gasket located whilst putting the housing back on?

[Andy11]

If you have any anti-seize grease you can hold the thermostat in place by greasing the joint faces and sticking the gasket on, you can then bolt the housing on. I had to remove the alternator when I did mine to gain access to the bottom bolt.

[FergusG]

Thanks Andy. Did manage to get to the bottom bolt using a long socket & extension. Not sure I know what anti seize grease is. Sorry for being a bit of a divvy. I have normal grease will that do? I tried gasket sealant, but it didn't seem sticky enough.

>> Edited by FergusG on Sunday 26th March 19:46

>> Edited by FergusG on Sunday 26th March 21:06

[Andy11]

Yes that's fine, anti-seize grease is either copper or aluminium based and is used to coat anything really to stop it seizing or rusting up.

[FergusG]

Ok thanks. I've got some copper grease, but didn't know it was also called anti-sieze. I should have worked it out really.

[trackcar]

Superglue is your friend for sticking the stat into the inlet manifold. Use gasket cement on the gasket to hold it in place whilst fitting.

[FergusG]

Thanks Andy and Trackcar. Job now done. I stuck the gasket to the thermostat awith superglue and the gasket and thermostat to the block with Comma Red gasket compound. I also removed the alternator as suggested by Andy which made it a bit less like keyhole surgery on the bottom bolt.