Thermostat Gaskets

[18Warrior]

Hi. I'm installing a new thermostat onto my 1988 5.7. When I took it apart, there was no thermostat, and no gaskets, just RTV sealant. I'm wondering if I need to use any sort of gasket sealer on the new gaskets. I have all the parts, thermostat (160 degrees), gaskets, O ring, and the plastic sleeve. TIA.

 

[kghost]

1. 140* thermostat not 160*

2. If all surfaces are clean and not rough by years of corrosion, only gaskets are needed BUT you can add a light coating of rtv if you want to, to metal surfaces.
Make note of orientation of the plastic insert with two notches (Item 10). It is shown in diagram you posted. If installed incorrectly water flow will not be correct.

 

[18Warrior]

1. 140* thermostat not 160*

2. If all surfaces are clean and not rough by years of corrosion, only gaskets are needed BUT you can add a light coating of rtv if you want to, to metal surfaces.
Make note of orientation of the plastic insert with two notches (Item 10). It is shown in diagram you posted. If installed incorrectly water flow will not be correct.

Jack, do you have any idea what purpose the small round brass grommets on the bottom gasket serve? Are they supposed to act like drain holes of some sort? Where they meet up with the intake manifold the holes are plugged up.

 

[kghost]

Ground continuity.

Some thermostat housings have the temp sender install in them and if a plain gasket is used and you goop the threads of the mounting bolts you will have no ground path

 

[Droid]

The grommets are to help ground the housing so the gauge works.

Ghost, you beat me to it

 

[kghost]

 

[18Warrior]

Thanks guys!! And yes I have a sender in the housing!

 

[kghost]

No RTV anywhere near those brass rivits