Thermostat housing leaks
#29412
09/01/06 05:28 PM
09/01/06 05:28 PM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 26 Massillon, OH
smrcuda
OP
member
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OP
member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 26
Massillon, OH
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I have a 340 small block and I can't seen to get the termostat housing to stop leaking. I have the mopar performace chrome housing on it now. I had the Summit racing one before that and it leak even worse. I have an LD 340 aluminum intake. I sure someone out there has had the same problem. Can I get some ideas for a way to fix it? Thanks Moparts
Last edited by smrcuda; 09/01/06 05:30 PM.
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Re: Thermostat housing leaks
[Re: smrcuda]
#29413
09/01/06 05:34 PM
09/01/06 05:34 PM
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 96,649 On The Boat, On The Lake, Wa. ...
amxautox
Still Retired. Still Posting on Moparts. A Lot.
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Still Retired. Still Posting on Moparts. A Lot.
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 96,649
On The Boat, On The Lake, Wa. ...
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Oh so many threads on here about the bad chrome housings. Ya gotta flatten and grind the bottom on a disc sander to get all the chrome off and make sure it's flat. Then you have to throw it away and buy a good housing. this one? http://www.mopartsracing.com./parts/a.html
Tom
"Everyone should believe in something; I believe I'll go fishing."
-Henry David Thoreau
Men and fish are alike. They both get into trouble when they open their mouths
author unknown
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Re: Thermostat housing leaks
[Re: smrcuda]
#29415
09/01/06 05:48 PM
09/01/06 05:48 PM
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 247 DuPont, Washington
DZJim
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 247
DuPont, Washington
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I got one at local parts place 4 Seasons brand, I believe. Heavy cast iron. Last forever. It will rust, so durable exterior coating of your choice before install. Also a gasket with stickum on one side, nothing on the (manifold side) other. Clean the manifold good, inspect for scratches, nicks, etc., install. Mines been off/on several times since, no leaks. Just remove the screws and give it a little tap and slide it off. No need to disturb hose. Set it aside. More info than you needed. works for me. My $0.02 don't overtighten or unevenly.http://www.amazon.com/Four-Seasons-84830-Water-Outlet/dp/B000CNMZ2G/sr=1-3/qid=1157148629/ref=sr_1_3/002-4573578-6402439?ie=UTF8&m=ADG953YR6NRBF&s=automotive
Last edited by DZJim; 09/01/06 06:09 PM.
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Re: Thermostat housing leaks
[Re: amxautox]
#29416
09/01/06 05:48 PM
09/01/06 05:48 PM
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Most of the problems are due to poor installation and not the housings. There no need to grind the chrome off. What stops the leak is that after a few attempts, people get better at the installation. Drain the coolant and remove the housing. Check the housing and the manifold or water pump housing for those working on a big block or Hemi. If there is warping, use a file to striaghten the surfaces. Clean and dry everything with a solvent. Repeat the cleaning. MAke SURE there is NO coolant, water, oil or grease on any of the surfaces. The best results I have had is to not use a gasket. Using the gasket AND RTV will probably cause it to leak. RTV smeared on both sides of a gasket can cause the gasket to act like a wick, drawing coolant through itself. Apply a good RTV - The Right Stuff or Permatex Ultra Gray (my preference) to the mounting surface and assemble the housing and torque to spec. Don't wait for it to "skin" as that defeats purpose of the adhesive qualities of the RTV, kind of like letting paint dry in can before you spray it. LET IT CURE BEFORE REFILLING THE SYSTEM. Let the RTV cure for at least a few hours, preferably overnight. Recheck the torque and then fill the system. After running the car up to full temp and cooling down, recheck the torque. Recheck it after the first 2-3 uses fo the car and it should be fine. I've installed cheap chrome housings, stamped steel housings and high quality billet housings with no leaks.
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Re: Thermostat housing leaks
[Re: abodyjoe]
#29418
09/01/06 07:01 PM
09/01/06 07:01 PM
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,220 toronto canada
69chargeryeehaa
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,220
toronto canada
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Quote:
everyone i know that has a chrome housing leaks..
i have one that does'nt leak but it's not on the car!!!
i have yet to see one that does'nt leak either.
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Re: Thermostat housing leaks
[Re: BobR]
#29422
09/01/06 09:15 PM
09/01/06 09:15 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 363 Richmond, TX
Sinister68
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 363
Richmond, TX
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I had a Summit chrome thermostat housing that leaked. I bought a Mopar Performance chrome thermostat housing and the leak ceased. After a few measurements, I noticed that I must've over tightened the Summit housing causing it to warp. The new housing doesn't leak at all.
-James
2013 Challenger SRT
1968 Charger R/T
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Re: Thermostat housing leaks
[Re: BobR]
#29423
09/03/06 09:35 AM
09/03/06 09:35 AM
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Quote:
GregZ,
I appreciate you taking the time to post the correct way to install the housing. However, you can do all of that and it may still leak. Been there and done that. After my second installation leaked-using the same procedure you outlined almost to the word-I checked it carefully and found about 1/8 inch warpage. I put it on a belt sander, got it flat, then used a regular paper gasket and have not seen a drop of coolant since. -Bob
You must have missed this section above : Quote:
Check the housing and the manifold or water pump housing for those working on a big block or Hemi. If there is warping, use a file to striaghten the surfaces.
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Re: Thermostat housing leaks
[Re: Spike]
#29430
09/03/06 03:09 PM
09/03/06 03:09 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,439 So Cal
Sinitro
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,439
So Cal
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Quote:
I have put several of them on a lathe and cut them true, one was off .060. Then I have had to cut the recess for the thermostat a little deeper. After this they don't leak. The bottom surface of those chrome housings are no where near flat.
I was talking to the guys @ PAW, they advised they run about a 50% return rate on the chrome junker..
We too have tried cutting these down on lathe but they seal better but still leak.. But seems kind of funny.. Buy a new part and then have to machine it.. To me not worth the trouble, I run the original Mopar stocker.. No leaks..
In the junk box I still have a couple of chrome junkers.. If anyone wants one.. N/C and will pay the postage.. PM me..
To me it is very sad... That Mopar chooses to outsource most of its performance stuff compared to years in the past.. Today the quality is gone.. Rockers by Crane.. Cranks by China & Scat.. Leaf springs by Mexico..
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