Ok,

not new to wrenching or wheeling at all, but this motor has got me puzzled.

00 dodge 1500 with a 360.

I replaced the water pump and was going after the thermostat, that is one of the most difficult ones to get at I have ever seen. I can not seem to get it to seal. Any tricks I should know about? What the hell am I doing wrong. All help is appriciated. This is my companies work truck, and for some reason they are set on me fixing it and not taking it in.

Mike

Are you using RTV sealant on the gasket? Also are you sure it is the t-stat?

yes and yes

Did you clean both surfaces before putting in new gasket? when removing old gaskets be careful not to scratch the sealing surfaces. Also look very carfully for hair line cracks. If the engine has ever gotten too hot there could be a crack on the surface or side of the jacket. Test with dye and see exactly where it is leaking from. Good luck.

its not so much the problem or making the seal, it is a problem of how to get to the waterneck as it is absoluty crammped in there. There is not room to move a hand or ratchet and then when I try I move the water neck and spear the cylcone.

Suggestions?


Mike

Magnum engine T-stat housings are kinda famous for leaking due to the 2 "dimples" on either side of the factory housing near the holes for the bolts. These make it difficult to get the housing to seal correctly to the manifold and cause small slower leaks. Even on "well sealed" housings you'll probably find a crystal looking residue around the housing from slow leaks around it. Both my 5.2L and 5.9L engines that I have had to do T-stats on, I have had to file these dimples down to seal correctly.

The easiest way to get the housing in is to leave the hose on the housing and put the bolts in the holes and use the hose to lower the housing onto the manifold. Use an extension and flex joint if needed to tighten the housing bolts.

Magnum engine T-stat housings are kinda famous for leaking due to the 2 "dimples" on either side of the factory housing near the holes for the bolts. These make it difficult to get the housing to seal correctly to the manifold and cause small slower leaks. Even on "well sealed" housings you'll probably find a crystal looking residue around the housing from slow leaks around it. Both my 5.2L and 5.9L engines that I have had to do T-stats on, I have had to file these dimples down to seal correctly.

The easiest way to get the housing in is to leave the hose on the housing and put the bolts in the holes and use the hose to lower the housing onto the manifold. Use an extension and flex joint if needed to tighten the housing bolts.


I forgot about the 2 dimples. Also there is a tab on the side of the neck that you take off. CUt that off. It will make it easier to get the thing in and out of there.

Magnum engine T-stat housings are kinda famous for leaking due to the 2 "dimples" on either side of the factory housing near the holes for the bolts. These make it difficult to get the housing to seal correctly to the manifold and cause small slower leaks. Even on "well sealed" housings you'll probably find a crystal looking residue around the housing from slow leaks around it. Both my 5.2L and 5.9L engines that I have had to do T-stats on, I have had to file these dimples down to seal correctly.

The easiest way to get the housing in is to leave the hose on the housing and put the bolts in the holes and use the hose to lower the housing onto the manifold. Use an extension and flex joint if needed to tighten the housing bolts.


I forgot about the 2 dimples. Also there is a tab on the side of the neck that you take off. CUt that off. It will make it easier to get the thing in and out of there.

Man, wish I would have read this a few hours ago. I just ended up taking off the whole bracket system and doing it that way, we will see tomorrow if it held.

Mike