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Dan M
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/27/2004
08:38:35
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 Subject: help replacing thermostat
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Message:
So my thermostat went out in the '95 CC 4x4. I picked up a new one and new gasket. I got the old one out and the new one in with the new gasket, however it's leaking bad through the gasket. Any special tricks to get this to seal properly?
- Dan M
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Wal
Dodge Dakota
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12/27/2004
08:41:30
| RE: help replacing thermostat
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did you apply the proper RTV to the gasket before installation? Since you didn't mention it, maybe you installed it without any? If so, head back to the auto parts store and get a new gasket and some RTV (you'll see the one marked for use on a t-stat gasket).
Wal
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b1llyw
R/T
12/27/2004
08:42:03
| RE: help replacing thermostat
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http://www.bionicdodge.com/bionic%20downloads.htm
I've got an article on there to walk you through a t-stat swap. Hope it helps.
Bill White - KRC Performance
'03 R/T, CC
'04 Liberty, 4x4, 3.7, 5-speed, LSD
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Kaderdak
GenIII
12/27/2004
11:37:38
| RE: help replacing thermostat
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Message:
I'd agree with using a little RTV sealant with the gasket, but I do mean just a LITTLE. Don't be the moron I was and use too much, only to have chunks dislodge and get stuck in your radiator lines and then have to take it off and clean it out too.
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Dan M
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/28/2004
08:34:17
| RE: help replacing thermostat
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Message:
I picked up a new gasket and some more RTV (this time the black stuff for high heat). I pulled the tstat out, cleaned to mainfold, cleaned the bottom of the flange that bolts down. I sealed the gasket using the RTV. Bolted the flange down to the manifold, waited about 70 minutes. I then put just enough antifreeze in the flange to cover the tstat. It started leaking again. Anything I'm missing here? Any futher help is greatly appreciated.
- Dan M
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Kaderdak
GenIII
12/28/2004
09:23:09
| RE: help replacing thermostat
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Message:
Did you use RTV on both sides of the gasket, against the manifold and also against the flange? That's all I can think of, good luck.
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Dan M
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/28/2004
09:31:38
| RE: help replacing thermostat
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Message:
I did. I used the RTV to stick the gasket to the flange then i put some on the bottom side of the gasket and tightened the flange to the manifold. I waited about 70 minutes (the RTV says it sets in 1 hour and fully sets in 24) then put a little antifreeze in the flange the cover the tstat, that's how i could tell it was leaking, the level dropped below the tstat and I could see some antifreeze on the manifold in behind the flange, on the firewall side.
Maybe I'll pull it off, clean it up again. then reset the flange and wait 24 hours before putting any antifreeze in it. Unless anyone has any other ideas?
- Dan M
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spt
Dodge Dakota
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12/28/2004
22:02:22
| RE: help replacing thermostat
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Message:
The one thing that makes it leak is over tighting the thermostat housing bolts. They do not need to be very tight I think it around 15 to 18 lbs of torque(sp?). I did mine 4 times before I fiqured it out. Also I ended up buying a special sealent for thermostat housing and water pumps. I can't remember the name but it was grey in color, comes in a small tube.
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RadioMan
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/29/2004
06:49:56
|  RE: help replacing thermostat
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Message:
If it'leaking even before pressure has built up,
might look for a cracked housing.
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Dan M
Dodge Dakota
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12/29/2004
08:12:14
| RE: help replacing thermostat
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Message:
It is leaking as I attempt to fill up the radiator. I have a new housing as well, I picked that up last night. I bought the gasket material from napa last night and made my own. I sealed the bottom with the black RTV (high temp). It's still leaking. Maybe I did over tighten the bolts. I'll try that before I give up and have AAA tow the truck to a shop.
- Dan M
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Bob Lincoln
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/29/2004
09:12:31
| RE: help replacing thermostat
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Message:
My 92 V-6 has a locator pin or nub at the bottom of the thermostat housing, and the service manual makes a point of saying to orient the housing in the right way. Maybe you have the housing rotated 180 degrees?
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Dan M
Dodge Dakota
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12/29/2004
09:20:09
| RE: help replacing thermostat
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Message:
Yeah, my 95 has a little lip plate thing that says front. The housing is on in the right direction. It looks like it's leaking out the back side (firewall side) of the housing.
- Dan M
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daddio
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/29/2004
09:51:24
| RE: help replacing thermostat
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Message:
check the t/stat housing to make sure it's nice and square. set it on a known flat level surface to check. then double check and make sure you have the right t/stat. when using RTV i only lightly coat the gasket on both sides. i have done many and have not had one leak. as spt stated, it does not have to be that tight to seal. '01 FSM says: T/stat housing bolts torque = 200 in lbs. or about 16 ft.lbs.
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Dan M
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/29/2004
10:38:55
| RE: help replacing thermostat
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Message:
The housing is new, I'll check to make sure it's flat tonight though. this last time I cut a new gasket myself and it the kind with one sticky side from napa. I think it might be an issue with over torquing the bolts, will try that again tonight.
- Dan M
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daddio
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/29/2004
10:52:36
| RE: help replacing thermostat
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Message:
Dan M, i fogot to mention, clean/scrape the surfaces really well to make sure there is no leftover gskt or RTV.
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Dan M
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/29/2004
12:33:15
| RE: help replacing thermostat
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Message:
I have cleaned both the intake and housing.
- Dan M
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JasonB
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/29/2004
13:21:51
| RE: help replacing thermostat
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Message:
Hey Dan, check to make sure there is not a 1/2 inch hole drilled in the side of it. Very common problem.
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Dan M
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/29/2004
14:20:56
| RE: help replacing thermostat
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Message:
drilled in the side of what? The housing? The only holes in it are the 2 bolt holes and the hose/thermostate opening.
- Dan M
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mikec041
Dodge Dakota
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12/29/2004
19:32:35
| RE: help replacing thermostat
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Message:
I would check the t-stat housing it doesn't take much to warp or crack it. something as little as the t-stat shifting or not squaring housing when installing will warp housing as you tighten bolts. housings are not expensive if you need to replace it.
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JasonB
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/29/2004
20:09:06
| RE: help replacing thermostat
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Dan M
Was just being a smartazz. Seems like everyone has suggestions that you have already checked.
Good luck getting it corrected.
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