Thermostat gasket dressing?

1stepp · **Posted:** Fri Mar 03, 2017 6:03 pm

So I'll be replacing the thermostat gasket tomorrow since it's been weeping for awhile. I did it when I did the timing belt and used red RTV as that was on it before. Is there a better way to dress the gasket? I'm not looking forward to scrapping off the RTV...

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TURBO-DIESEL-FREAK · **Joined:** Sat Apr 17, 2010 3:29 pm **Posts:** 1167

You should be simply using an O.E. gasket from the local stealership. RTV is not necessary.

Remove the thermostat completely, scrape that crap off carefully and leave a completely bare surface, (use a razor blade if you have to).

Re-install the O.E. assembly if you want to put up with another pollution control device that robs your engine of power and fuel efficiency, and if you are willing to put up with replacing the entire assembly from time to time when it malfunctions; expect to pay about $150.00 USD every time, plus your labour to change it out.

flash7210 · **Posted:** Fri Mar 03, 2017 6:35 pm

I use mopar gasket sealant in a spray can.
Basically, its just red sticky stuff.

joe_ · **Posted:** Fri Mar 03, 2017 8:08 pm

Use a razor blade and take your time. Keep in mind that the head is aluminum, so don't go too crazy or you'll start scratching/gouging it.

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Fri Mar 03, 2017 9:39 pm

As others have advised, clean both mating surfaces until clean of all old gasket material being careful not to gouge either of the metal mating surfaces. Install thermostat with a new OEM gasket using a coating of Permatex #2 or anaerobic sealant (Locktite 504 or the like) on all mating surfaces. Sealants like Permatex #2 can ensure a good quality seal and is capable of filling and sealing small voids up to about .030 between the two mating surfaces that could cause a small future seepage leak...
:SOMBRERO:

TURBO-DIESEL-FREAK · **Joined:** Sat Apr 17, 2010 3:29 pm **Posts:** 1167

WWDiesel wrote:

As others have advised, clean both mating surfaces until clean of all old gasket material being careful not to gouge either of the metal mating surfaces. Install thermostat with a new OEM gasket using a coating of Permatex #2 or anaerobic sealant (Locktite 504 or the like) on all mating surfaces. Sealants like Permatex #2 can ensure a good quality seal and is capable of filling and sealing small voids up to about .030 between the two mating surfaces that could cause a small future seepage leak...
:SOMBRERO:

Exactly correct! But 1stepp should be looking at an upgrade so his engine runs at a proper operating temperature.

papaindigo · **Posted:** Sat Mar 04, 2017 10:49 am

As noted the head is aluminum so scratches fairly easily. I've had good luck removing old gasket material with a No. 9 Single Edge Razor Blade and use a piece of paper towel to keep debris out of the head. For sealant a light coat of RTV Black on the head side of the gasket seems to do the job. Hardest part is getting that infernal lower rear bolt properly started. Nice thing about the HDS thermostat is you never have to do the job again; just pop the top and throw in a new tstat at each antifreeze change.

flman · **Posted:** Sat Mar 04, 2017 3:31 pm

I put Nylog on my gaskets, then they never get stuck to anything.

WolverineFW · **Posted:** Sat Mar 04, 2017 6:33 pm

flman wrote:

I put Nylog on my gaskets, then the never get stuck to anything.

Sure but nobody except a fridgie would know what that is..lol

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WWDiesel · **Posted:** Sat Mar 04, 2017 10:07 pm

flman wrote:

I put Nylog on my gaskets, then the never get stuck to anything.

Good stuff, but not recommended for water systems, only refrigerant systems! :roll:

flman · **Posted:** Sun Mar 05, 2017 12:48 pm

WWDiesel wrote:

flman wrote:

I put Nylog on my gaskets, then they never get stuck to anything.

Good stuff, but not recommended for water systems, only refrigerant systems! :roll:

I will let you know when my 2 tstat gaskets start leaking, but don't hold your breath waiting. :BANANA:

PZKW108 · **Joined:** Sun Apr 06, 2014 5:23 pm **Posts:** 461

TURBO-DIESEL-FREAK wrote:

You should be simply using an O.E. gasket from the local stealership. RTV is not necessary.

Remove the thermostat completely, scrape that crap off carefully and leave a completely bare surface, (use a razor blade if you have to).

Re-install the O.E. assembly if you want to put up with another pollution control device that robs your engine of power and fuel efficiency, and if you are willing to put up with replacing the entire assembly from time to time when it malfunctions; expect to pay about $150.00 USD every time, plus your labour to change it out.

you can use Aviation Form-A-Gasket , peanut butter or smurf $hytte if you want but the O.E. gasket alone is the best option !!!! :5SHOTS:

GordnadoCRD · **Posted:** Tue Mar 07, 2017 7:58 am

Isn't that last one for brake pad dressing?

mrhemi · **Joined:** Tue Dec 08, 2015 10:46 am **Posts:** 180

Loctite 518

GordnadoCRD · **Posted:** Tue Mar 07, 2017 10:15 pm

Smurfette $hytte

https://www.copaltite.com/sealants/liquid-form-sealant/copaltite-liquid-form-5-oz-tube.html

One product for anything and everything.

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Thu Mar 09, 2017 9:59 am

GordnadoCRD wrote:

Smurfette $hytte

https://www.copaltite.com/sealants/liquid-form-sealant/copaltite-liquid-form-5-oz-tube.html

One product for anything and everything.

Yes, probably wonderful stuff; but at $69 dollars for a 5 oz. tube it is some seriously high priced donkey doo and somewhat cost prohibitive!!! :shock:

flman · **Posted:** Fri Mar 10, 2017 1:47 pm

WWDiesel wrote:

GordnadoCRD wrote:

Smurfette $hytte

https://www.copaltite.com/sealants/liquid-form-sealant/copaltite-liquid-form-5-oz-tube.html

One product for anything and everything.

Yes, probably wonderful stuff; but at $69 dollars for a 5 oz. tube it is some seriously high priced donkey doo and somewhat cost prohibitive!!! :shock:

It would be a good compliment to my 2 $500 tstats. :mrgreen:

TURBO-DIESEL-FREAK · **Joined:** Sat Apr 17, 2010 3:29 pm **Posts:** 1167

flman wrote:

WWDiesel wrote:

GordnadoCRD wrote:

Smurfette $hytte

https://www.copaltite.com/sealants/liquid-form-sealant/copaltite-liquid-form-5-oz-tube.html

One product for anything and everything.

Yes, probably wonderful stuff; but at $69 dollars for a 5 oz. tube it is some seriously high priced donkey doo and somewhat cost prohibitive!!! :shock:

It would be a good compliment to my 2 $500 tstats. :mrgreen:

NO... use the Durlon 8500 gaskets I provide with the sale of every Model 001 and you will have no problems... ever.

flman · **Posted:** Sat Mar 11, 2017 5:16 pm

Just joking TDF. :-)r

So, that is not actually and OE gasket?

TURBO-DIESEL-FREAK · **Joined:** Sat Apr 17, 2010 3:29 pm **Posts:** 1167

flman wrote:

Just joking TDF. :-)r

So, that is not actually and OE gasket?

Oh... Sorry. :roll:

No, EVERYTHING on the Hot Diesel Solutions Model 001 is upgraded, including the thermostat-to-engine gasket material.

Durlon 8500 gasket material is totally superior to the cheap paper O.E. gaskets regularly used in automotive cooling systems. Here are a couple of links to spec sheets on Durlon 8500...

http://www.gasketresources.com/durlon-8500

http://www.acl.co.nz/wp-content/uploads ... n-8500.pdf

Thermostat gasket dressing?

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