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I never knew how much fun it was to change a t-stat on a 302.
What's even better, this is the second shot at it. As the first time I discovered a small leak only happened under acceleration, I guess the t-stat fell out of the groove. Wont happen this time around, got a good tip on how to keep it in place.
Yes....
- gasket itself, opt for a Fel Pro or similar. Some of the self adhesive / black paper gaskets commonly sold fail shortly after install no matter how nice a job you do.
- before installing stat, drill a 1/8 hole towards the outer edge (just inside area gasket contacts). If your stat has a widget in a pre drilled hole, take the widget out. Some peeps like to drill two or more holes, not sure it makes a difference.
- using weatherstrip adhesive, glue stat and gasket to the housing using a small smear on the stat where it contacts the housing, same for the gasket, allow to fully dry before install (glue is there to secure it, not a sealant)
- if front of the intake / stat housing is anything but perfect, smallest smear of silicone on gasket face when installing
- if bolts are corroded, either clean up or toss away n replace, install using copper never seize on the threads so they'll come out next time plus flat 5/16 washer under each bolt to get max clamping on the housing itself.
- if your using a chrome housing, toss it away and go back to OEM / stock.
Rick why the hole? I noticed on the OEM t-stat there was a hole. On the Gates t-stat I purchased no hole.
I was planning this time around going with no gasket, just using Permatex RTV blue sealant. No good?