Before I start on my 2nd attempt I want to see if im doing something wrong. So after replacing the thermostat I put the housing back together using a felpro gasket and grey thermostat specific RTV. I let the RTV set up for a little over 24 hours. After starting it, i noticed it has a small leak. Also i did scrap off all of the old RTV. Any help would be great. Thanks!

 

Where is it leaking from?

 

If its leaking from a bolt put thread sealant on it.
If the gaskets leaking is it coming from the center of the housing? If yes then it is warped and needs to be replaced or sanded flat on a block with 500 sand paper or lower.

 

It's also possible for the thermostat to slip slightly off-center as you're putting on the housing and getting pinched. (it happened to a guy I know)

 

The leak is between the temp sensor and the lower bolt.

 

Check for cracks around the bottom bolt on the head. Had the same problem and found out my head was cracked right there.

 

More than likely the stat is getting pinched from the bottom and not allowing it to seal. Also the way I got it to seal right was by sanding the housing to bare metal and applying rtv. Tighten the bolts halfway then left it alone for the night. Next morning I tightened it all the way. This way you dont spread the rtv too much, not allowing it to seal if you tighten it all the way while the rtv is fresh.

 

Make sure you have the thermostat in the correct way. I always use red high temp rtv. Make sure you clean both mating surfaces as well.

 

Mine did that as well, just a small leak on the bottom, used a little RTV right there and fixed the problem.

 

I finally got it to seal. I think the problem was that the thermostat was getting pinched between the housing and the block. Thanks for the help!

 

honestly I had the problem its an easy fix, just make sure you don't tighten the housing fully before it cures, just finger tighten then come back when tacky or dry and tighten to spec

 

 

Good info though. Me, I never use more than a gasket with a little GasgaCinch on each side. Not a fan of RTV in many applications.

 

Haha, you made me Google Gasgacinch there, P!

 

Haha!! It's great stuff.