[Guest]

I hope there is some technical types on this site that have some good ideas on ways I can seal up my thermostat. It's been leaking and depressurising my cooling system. I took it apart and found the manifold is pitted and not flat for a good seal. I don't want to remove the manifold for machining or replacement.

I'm thinking maybe some high temp RTV under the gasket, permatex or head gasket sealer, that indian stuff.

What would the recommendations from the experts be so when I replace it, it won't leak again.

Thanks,

Curtis
94 Grand Cherokee
5.2L V-8

 

[Guest]

I have used blue RTV on my thermostat housing with no problem. Just be sure to let it set and do not over tighten and let the RTV squish out.

 

[Guest]

I was thinking of the high temp black. How far did you torque it to keep from overtightening it? Mostly I hope it squishes into the pit's to seal them and keep any water from leaking. How long did you let the RTV setup before torquing. I wouyld expect you would want it to harden a little so it doesn't squish out so easy, like you said.

 

[Guest]

I have never used the black, but with the blue I usually let it set until it gets a bit of a skin. Then I put the part on and tighten it until the RTV looks like it is going to squish out. Then I stop, wait until the next morning, and tighten to specs. I have done this on thermostat housings, intake manifolds, and any other cast iron or aluminum parts that usually take a paper gasket.

 

[LionShooter]

RTV should work but if it doesn't there is a product available at marine supply stores called Marine Tex. It is probably the same or similar to JB Weld. A 2-part epoxy that sets up as hard as steel and can be machined, sanded, filed etc. I used Marine Tex a lot when I ran a service shop for sailboats. Even fixed cracked blocks. It is ideal for filling cracks and craters in pitted steel and aluminum-or anything else for that matter.

Stan

 

[3181]

I agree on both counts. For the easy fix, blue permatex is the way to go (IMO). For a slightly more permanent, and far more difficult fix you could attempt some of that stuff that Lionshooter suggested. Although I have no personal experience with this marine product, it *sounds* like something that might work great in filling those pits and giving a nice flat surface.

If it were me, I would bother trying to do a permanent fix, and I would just use the blue goo.

 

[Guest]

Great responses guys, Thanks. Yesterday I installed with RTV and tightened just until I got a slight squish on the sides and today I'm going to torque the rest of the way.

I'm still looking for a new radiator if anyone has any ideas. I'm thinking of the 3 core GDI from Radiator.com but still looking around.

Thanks again,

Curtis Lloyd
84 ZJ 5.2l V-8

 

[3181]

I might suggest a call to Dirk @ DPG Offroad and ask him about his new 3 core radiators he recently got in stock. Sorry i dont have specifics, but I know he recently started carrying these and that they are apparently pretty good.

-jm