aftermarket thermostat housings

[chevyuser74]

• has anybody used a non stock type thermostat housing with success? every style ive tryed always leaks, i rebuilt my motor and got an aluminum swivel type cause i havnt tryed that style yet, and today all of a sudden my temp gauge starts to gain temp, and smoke is coming out from under the hood, and low and behold the stupid t-stat housing is pissing from the base, never had any problems from the stock one its just ugly, but i put it back on and no problems.

 

[HellsK10]

Just make sure to pull the o-ring they include with it and rub it down with blue RTV then reseat it, add a little more to the exposed o-ring and install...never a problem. Ever.

 

[bnate]

I second....I have a York above the power steering pump on the driver's side. I've always had the upper radiator hose too close to the York pully. When it finally rubbed a hole through, I reluctantly changed the config of the hose and the water neck. I have one of those swivels 'cause it ended up being the easiest to clear the pully.

Anyways, RTV for a good seal and you should be golden.

 

[chevyuser74]

ive gone down the rtv road, lasts alot longer but always ends up leaking, i use right stuff too, only rtv i really use. maybe i just have bad luck with em, all i know is that the stock one has never leaked on me rtv or not. i guess its just peace of mind for me now, i dont want to be 4 hours away and have my truck break down for something like that

 

[toomany]

I've seen/had problems with the chrome ones. The chrome doesnt make for a good sealing surface. I usually rough up the surface and have better luck that way.

 

[fried_guy]

If it has an o-ring just ditch it and use a gasket. Just use RTV to fill imperfections in the sealing surface like pits and gouges, not too much.

 

[GNERGY]

I always take a file and make sure the bottom of the water outlet housing is good and flat. I have had them leak before on several occasions.
Tarey