Thermostat gaskets question

[Herb]

Do I need to add silicone sealer when installing the thermostat gasket...or, will the gasket alone do the job?

I purchased both upper and lower gaskets from ccot.

Herb

 

[cabron]

Some guys use RTV to make sure it seals, I never did. Did it leak before?

 

[Herb]

It spits a bit now out of one of the bolts..so I want to make sure I seal it correctly with this new gasket set.

I'm doing the gaskets because it is not warming up fully...I'm suspicious that the PO didn't install the upper gasket.

 

[wantatlc]

use RTV for sure. they actually make a specific RTV for a thermostat I use on my FJ.

 

[Herb]

Thanks for the info.

When using RTV, do I just lightly coat the gaskets or do I put a bead on top of the gaskets?

 

[IDave]

Thanks for the info.

When using RTV, do I just lightly coat the gaskets or do I put a bead on top of the gaskets?

I think it depends. My old thermo housings kinda corroded, bent and dimpled, needed a lot more. A brand new one needs only the gasket. It is not hard to file them a little and flatten them, if you want to take the time and take them off to your workbench.

 

[xiero]

I went through this Saturday. Initially, the gasket wouldn't seal, pinhole-type leak from the housing. I ended up getting the high-temp RTV and putting a small bead around the gasket. Just followed directions on the back of the box.

Sealed up nicely - no leaks.