How long you guys wait after thermostat install, to run her?

[Blue71]

Seems like everytime I install new thermostat, it wants to leak a little. How long are you guys waiting after the new one is installed, to start her up and run her?

Thanks Much,

Blue71

 

[dpmerrill]

I had the same problem. I finally fixed it by replacing the imported housing I had with an American made housing. I clean both surfaces with lacquer thinner. I switched to black RTV and I let it sit overnight.

Overnight may be overkill, but it's always late when I finish anyway. The back of the RTV will show you how long it takes to cure. Anything longer than that is probably wasted time, but anything up to that means it's that much stronger before you put it under pressure.

 

[72bronco]

Anytime I use RTV I always make a point to let it sit overnight, that way I know for sure it is set.

My thermostat housing used to always leak. Sometimes I'd take it off, clean everything up and put it back together and everything would be fine for a few months and then, drip, drip, drip... Very annoying. Finally I chucked the chrome aftermarket thermostat housing that used an O-ring and went to the stock cast piece that uses a gasket and it hasn't leaked since. The stock piece has a much wider flat surface to mate against the intake manifold. Funny how a simple change like that can make a big difference.

 

[SnwMnkys]

The chrome ones are notorious for leaking, everyone who says theyve installed one eventually switches back to stock.

 

[Mr Joe]

I've rarely had a problem with leakage. I usually wait an hour....

 

[mtkawboy]

Ive had better luck with a thick gasket and start it right up. Then retighten when hot. With silicon seal Id give it overnight

 

[TOFIC]

Seems like everytime I install new thermostat, it wants to leak a little. How long are you guys waiting after the new one is installed, to start her up and run her?

Thanks Much,

Blue71

Andy

I wait about 15 seconds. This is about the amount of time it takes to connect the 2 hoses and fill the rad. A good gasket and a little of the "right stuff" and she works great. The usual warnings, clean surfaces, proper seating of the Tstat, the right torque etc.
Never waited any time for anything to set
TOFIC

 

[72_EB]

Blue,

I was messing with this last week. You can check out the saga here---
http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56404&page=1&pp=15

I was having no luck with the Permatex since it was so cold in my workspace. It wouldn't get tacky against slick Performer intake surface even when cleaned perfectly with laquer thinner.
Frustrated, I tried the chrome housing with oring seal. Figured the surface was already clean, so if it didn't work, I was at no loss trying it anyway, since it is a snap to put on (no cleaning again for the Permatex if it didn't work). But I popped the tstat in, greased the oring, and tightened it down.
Started it right up. No leaks since!

I'm a big Permatex fan on other stuff, but I like working with it best in a nice 70 degree enviroment. I usually wait overnight with the filling always just to be safe, but I think that is kind of unnecessary. Give it 30 minutes in normal conditions, fill it up, and go. Good luck.

 

[Broncobowsher]

How long do I wait? Just long enough to wash my hands so I can open the door without getting grease and dirt on the handle, keys, etc.

RTV cures with heat and moisture.

I don't like the O-ring housings, too many issues.

I have been known to cut my own gaskets out of gasket stock, not use any sealer, and have good lusk with it.

 

[mtkawboy]

Flat file the thermostat housing & manifold surface, glue the thermostat in 2 places with a little 3M weatherstripping cement , let it dry and use a thick gasket or make one as mentioned. Most of the ones you buy are too thin. Most problems are caused by the thermostat dropping out of the recess in the housing as you install it. a dab of Right Stuff or silicon wont hurt either. Retighten when warmed up and cooled down.

 

[72_EB]

Bowsher,

So what are the issues? This one eventually gonna spring a leak on me? I pressure tested it up to 15 lbs (Got a 13 lb cap). I was really surprised it sealed up when I tried it as a last resort the other day. I had no choice since it was so cold out and needed to get it back together. Still dry as a bone and I ain't touching it again (at least until it gets up above 10 F out)

Will mostly likely go back to Permatex when it gets hot again and I go back to the 180 stat.

I don't like the O-ring housings, too many issues.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Bowsher,

So what are the issues? This one eventually gonna spring a leak on me? I pressure tested it up to 15 lbs (Got a 13 lb cap). I was really surprised it sealed up when I tried it as a last resort the other day. I had no choice since it was so cold out and needed to get it back together. Still dry as a bone and I ain't touching it again (at least until it gets up above 10 F out)

Will mostly likely go back to Permatex when it gets hot again and I go back to the 180 stat.

Tend to leak and not stop for no reason. Metal is a bit thin and if the water gits a little corrosive, eats pin holes in it. Never have the spare figure 8 O-ring laying around in case I get a little scrape in the one on it. Sealing surface for an O-ring to seal is a lot more sensitive then gaskets.