Ok day after Christmas heater core with out but I had been needing to change the thermostat for some time now... Changed it put new gaskets on i used two the first time and it was leaking still so went back and tried just using one with some therma gasket and surprise it still leaking.... If anyone can help please do...

 

Did you get the right thermostat? Does it fit into the indention on the intake properly? You should always use gasketmaker with a thermostat, and I see no need in ever using but only one gasket. Did you clean out all the old gasket material before install with a razor blade? You should always have a clean dry surface when mating with gaskets.

 

make sure both mating surfaces are cleaned and free of any old rtv and gasket material. I always had good luck using one gasket with blue rtv on both sides. its a good idea to let the rtv cure a little bit before installing. be careful not to overtighten the thermostat housing bolts, could be causing the housing to deform and let out coolant

 

Thanks for the replys No the store sold me the one for the 305 engine grr so much headache... Thanks both of you for getting back to me so fast I was pulling my hair out...


But Finally Problems Fixed!

 

For future T-stat replacements,
It also is a good idea to run the housing across a piece of sandpaper on top a flat surface.
I normally do it all the time and have no issuse afterwards but, the one time I did not do it, got leaks.

 

Yeah I use a Flat head screw drive to get all the old gasket off and then go over with wire brush and it works great this time i blame the stupid auto store... Well it was my fault for not looking in the first place = / We all learn right?

 

I wish places like CSK, Autozone, etc. were self serve because their ASE parts pros are freakin morons!

 

The thermostats aren't the same?

 

One of us is missing something because the OP has a 2.8 and if memory serves they are a small housing that a 305 or 350.

 

OE part numbers are different, but all the aftermarket ones I can find cross over between BBC, SBC and 2.8.

 

I noticed that aftermarket Mfgs will make one part and say it fits 3 different applications when really it does not work well for 2 (and at times 3) of them.

I just looked through some gasket I have laying around. Could not find any I know where purchased for a 2.8/3.1. I did have a Fel-Pro from a 4.3 kit and a couple of the oddball Tiawan ones. The Fel-Pro had a small center hole giving it more surface sealing area that the oddballs. And the oddballs have oval holes for the bolts to fit more applications than the Fel-pro one.

 

Amen to that bro, I had a major leak out of the weep hole on a brand new water pump and the guy looked at me and said "but it's new"

 

I've used the more expensive new types with the silicon gasket already inbedded, good stuff no leaks, reusable, no problems no extra sealant needed.

 

What kind are those??

 

Fel-pro if you mean the thick blue ones with brown colored sealing ring. Works great