MichiDan

thermostat housing wanted for 1964 Starfire 394 please.

This aluminum one is not going to stop oozing all over my pretty engine.

MichiDan

Bumping to top. Hope to be next in line the next time one of these pops up.

rocketraider

Get a piece of plate glass and some fine sandpaper and true up the flange. Then double gasket.

You know it has to be for a four-barrel engine? two-barrels are different. No, I don't know why Olds did that. You might possibly be able to use two-barrel piece by using the two-barerl upper hose, but it might get up in the aircleaner.

OLDSter Ralph

Try the glass/sandpaper to make it flat. Then try smearing a good RTV uniformly on both sides of the gasket and letting in cure for 24 hours. Then assemble it.
I don't remember if the bolts go through the manifold into the water, if they do, dab some RTV on the bolt threads when you install the bolts.
Good luck

MichiDan

I can do that guys, but the gasket surface only a small part of the problem. The coolant is coming through the housing. The aluminum has become porous over time.

The top / round part of the housing literally grows green crystals on it. It's a slow process of course, but about twice a summer I have to clean the fuzz off it.

I assume this is why a steel replacement part was made. It's really not stopping me from enjoying the car but i am on the lookout for a new one.

Tedd Thompson

Lay a coat of JB Weld on the inside of the thermostat and see if that doesn't stop the weep I bet it will...... Tedd

D. Yaros

Will the thermostat housing be removable once JB Weld has been used?

MichiDan

Definitely been considering this! Bit scary though, that inner surface will be subject to many, many 190 degree heat cycles. Thermal expansion of aluminum, etc. Not ready to try it.

payan64

https://www.dvap.com/our-inventory/


try calling this place for part.

deaddds

Assuming you have a 4 brl set up, I think I have one. Will try to get a photo this weekend. I can bring it to the homecoming show in June.

Tedd Thompson

I have seen a radiator on a D-7 cat that was vandalized put back in action glued together with JB weld. It held up for over a year, not worked every day but worked hard when it was ran. It could still be being used as far as I know today. It would have cost more than the cat was worth to replace the radiator.

Don't put glue on the mating surfaces only the interior porous area.

61Bat

I agree with Tedd, i would clean the inside and then coat the entire inside with the JB weld. I know exactly what you are talking about the original Tstat housing for my 61 was badly corroded luckily the gentleman on this site that I sourced my 4 bbl intake and carb from included a very nice housing.

MichiDan

And I will be at the homecoming. Registered last week, so pretty pumped about that being new to the Olds world.
Still, if you have one (yes stock starfire so 4 bbl) lets talk. Sending you a PM.

payan64

ebay has a 394 complete engine for sale. Look for Hess Brothers auto dismantling.

MichiDan

Bump. Still haven't found a good steel one, and as mine is worse than I thought, i will take any one i can find now.
thanks.