I order an OEM thermostat and gasket from my local dealer and this is what comes in the box...




I was expecting to see gaskets 1 and 2, but not 3. Is that just an extra gasket or do I actually use it?

Also I could use some general advice on putting these gaskets on. I'll prob use some Ultra Blue RTV silicone gasket stuff generally on gasket 1 especially around the bolt holes.

 

Myself I've never bothered with #2. (yes I may be full of IT). If you had the housing #3 uses I suspect you would be wondering why #1 is there! You might just put that RTV Blue on the housing side, the head will be plenty flat and youn could remove/replace if you wanted.

Don't drop the lower washer or anything. It can fall into where your belt will explode upon starting. Also be darn sure the thermostat is seated before tightening the bolts. If the T-Stat slips down you will break the ear off the housing when you tighten the bolts.

 

I've only used #1. But aftermarket thermostats usually have silicone like material already on them so that would eliminate #2. Also the gaskets that NAPA sells have adhesive on one side so it can be stuck onto the head and won't move during install.

 

Ditto on #1. When I bought a new thermostat and gasket from Napa for my '00 that is the one that is called for.

 

Only 1. The others are for other vehicles which use the same stat.