Correct Thermostat Installation?

[54Rich]

OK, if you have read any of my posts by now you can tell that my car has been cobbled up over the years. I'm getting is figured out one PITA after another.

Pulled the thermostat and I'm not sure it was installed correctly, there was a odd shaped O-Ring between the stat and the intake. It went like this:

Intake - Oring - Stat - Neck with the oring. Is this right? I would think that it either does not have an oring or it's installed:

Intake - Stat - Oring - Neck?

Which is right?

Also, it is stamped 300 400 160, so I take it it's a 160 stat?

Thanks,

Rich

 

[Nick Micale]

The only o-ring should be the one that is one the t-stat housing.

 

[RUQWKNF]

Nick nailed it.

The t-stat neck is designed to be pushed into the intake so that the edge of the neck is flush with the front edge of the intake manifold. There is a hold down clamp that has one 13mm headed bolt that retains the neck into the intake. If an O-ring were sandwiched between the t-stat neck and t-stat, the neck itself would not be sitting flush against the edge of the intake and could possibly cause a leak. It is also recommended to replace the factory mild steel neck with a new billet aluminum t-stat neck when you replace it. Most vendors sell the billet t-stat neck with o-ring for around $20-$25. That part number does indeed look like a 160* stat.
HTH

Patrick

 

[54Rich]

Nick nailed it.

The t-stat neck is designed to be pushed into the intake so that the edge of the neck is flush with the front edge of the intake manifold. There is a hold down clamp that has one 13mm headed bolt that retains the neck into the intake. If an O-ring were sandwiched between the t-stat neck and t-stat, the neck itself would not be sitting flush against the edge of the intake and could possibly cause a leak. It is also recommended to replace the factory mild steel neck with a new billet aluminum t-stat neck when you replace it. Most vendors sell the billet t-stat neck with o-ring for around $20-$25. That part number does indeed look like a 160* stat.
HTH

Patrick

Thanks! That's what I thought. The crazy ways people cobble up these cars. I think I'll be able to write a book when I'm all done!

Rich

 

[SS_Sean]

I must be working on a GN from the same previous owner of your car!!!

 

[Junior Samples]

cobble here as well

while on subject

On my chevys I always drilled small hole in base of stat for constant flow.

does anyone here do that? IM getting ready to replace mine this weekend and was wondering before i custom fab somthing i shouldnt

mike

 

[mikestertwo]

while on subject

On my chevys I always drilled small hole in base of stat for constant flow.

does anyone here do that? IM getting ready to replace mine this weekend and was wondering before i custom fab somthing i shouldnt

mike

I don't think that's necessary. I used to do that on my Oldsmobiles because of a bad experience I had will the cooling system getting air locked on a brand new motor. Never had a problem with these Buick V-6's.