When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have had a persistent leak at the thermostat housing on my 1972 Supreme. After removing it today I noticed a crack in the housing on one ear. See photo. I am sure this is from the bolts being over torqued in the past.
I am ordering a new housing from Fusicks since theirs appears to be better quality than some of the other sites. Is the correct torque for the bolts 20 ft. lbs. ?
Thanks Will.
I'll bet at sometime in the past the thermostat was off to the side and when tightened it cracked the housing. Cuz if everything was ok you could probably tighten the bolts so tight to break the bolts and still not crack the housing as it should be clamping force-not tilted or a lever type of force. I'm mentioning this just so you are real careful when you put back together.
I'll bet at sometime in the past the thermostat was off to the side and when tightened it cracked the housing. Cuz if everything was ok you could probably tighten the bolts so tight to break the bolts and still not crack the housing as it should be clamping force-not tilted or a lever type of force. I'm mentioning this just so you are real careful when you put back together.
Thanks Greg. Point well taken. I bet you are correct.
Edit: I did not buy the housing from Fusicks. They only have the one that uses the preformed rubber hose. I purchased an original one from CO member 442crzy instead.
A few years back I got tired of weeping thermostat housings and bought a roll of cork gasket material. I still true up a housing on my belt sander or even by taping a piece of sand paper on a level surface. Back to the gaskets. I kept one original gasket as a template. I bought a punch hole set for the bolt holes and use a razor blade for the inside thermostat hole. The cork gaskets are slightly thicker and are so nice as they never weep. And with the 1970 and earlier aluminum housings you don’t have to go very tight either. Snug and a bit more. I use aviation form a gasket sealer. I’ve even changed a thermostat later and reused the same gasket again. I’ve done it to 3 different motors and not a drop weeps out. I can’t tell you how many cars shows (was just at BJ in Scottsdale) where I saw anti freeze pooling behind a housing. Anyways give it a try. Works awesome.
