OK to reuse thermostat housing?

[InspectahDEck]

I recently replaced my thermostat and housing using the following part:

Amazon.com

I did not use any sealant / RTV and I have a small leak now. Would it be OK to take it off, add RTV, and reassemble or does the inside gasket need replacing now?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Did your order provide a gasket as well? I would replace the gasket and use a bit of RTV.

 

[InspectahDEck]

It came with this gasket:

Edited

 

[Fless]

As I understand it the thermostat housing is somewhat specific to the water pump. Long ago I replaced my pump with an AC Delco unit, but kept the old thermo housing. The new thermostat came with a paper gasket, in addition to the rubber one. After installing just the rubber gasket, the connection leaked a little, just a minor drip. After reading the thermo instructions, I used the paper gasket, too, and that sealed it.

When changing the water pump it's best to buy the one that includes the thermostat housing so the manufacturing matches, instead of buying things piecemeal.

 

[OR VietVet]

Is every 2000 to 2006 GMT800 with either a 4.8, 5.3 or 6.0 ALL THE SAME? Since no info was provided I personally cannot go look to see if the original Amazon provided part is a correct application.

Anyway, I hope the leak is fixed.

 

[strutaeng]

I think they did make water pumps with slight differences. I've compared water pumps side by side and noticed. But I've never actually tried replacing the thermostat housings, so I don't know TBH.

I guess another thing to ask if the housing bolts were torqued to specs?

 

[InspectahDEck]

I'm going to pull it and put a new gasket on with some ultra black see if that does the trick. I recall looking up the torque specs I'm almost positive I torqued it to spec

 

[Fless]

The Haynes manual lists the thermostat housing bolt torque as 132 INCH lbs for the V-8 engines, and 168 INCH lbs for the V-6.

 

[gooffeyguy]

That'd be 11 and 14 ft lbs respectively

 

[rockola1971]

You can never go wrong with the paper gaskets and RED rtv. GEN 1 SBC came factory with paper gaskets and never had Orings and ive never ever seen a Gen 1 water pump leak except at the weep hole or the nose at the shaft. Toss the oring if its leaking and dont put another on there.

 

[InspectahDEck]

I ended up grabbing a Felpro 35720 and skipping the Rtv. We'll see how it goes

 

[OR VietVet]

You can never go wrong with the paper gaskets and RED rtv. GEN 1 SBC came factory with paper gaskets and never had Orings and ive never ever seen a Gen 1 water pump leak except at the weep hole or the nose at the shaft. Toss the oring if its leaking and dont put another on there.

IIRC, the o-ring also keeps the thermo from flopping around in the cavity. I could be wrong though.

 

[Matahoe]

I bought a new housing from the dealer years ago. It included the thermostat. I remember having to make sure it was correct for my application because there are some part number differences. Guess that's why I had the dealer look it up for me.

 

[InspectahDEck]

Drove around a bit today with the new gasket and so far so good things are looking dry and no fluid on my garage floor

 

[Matahoe]

Going forward you might want to put a bottle of UV dye in the recovery tank so as to keep an eye on any small leaks that may develop. Not absolutely necessary but it wouldn't hurt for added piece of mind.

 

[InspectahDEck]

Appreciate the tip

 

[homesick]

That'd be 11 and 14 ft lbs respectively

LOL. Showoff.

joe

 

[2006Tahoe2WD]

I don't think RTV is needed if the gasket/o-ring thing is properly fitted around the thermostat and placed in the housing. RTV has a way of eventually going to places where you don't want it. I recently replaced my thermostat and no leaks and no RTV.

 

[InspectahDEck]

@2006Tahoe2WD Yeah I talked to the gentleman at O'reillys and he recommended not use RTV, just try new gasket. It is holding up well so far no leaks.

 

[OR VietVet]

@2006Tahoe2WD Yeah I talked to the gentleman at O'reillys and he recommended not use RTV, just try new gasket. It is holding up well so far no leaks.

In this case it sounds correct BUT, I would be weary of recommendations for repairs from most parts people. After all, they are the ones that pull a code for free and then tell you, "this code means you need this $100 part".