Thermostat Housing Help Needed

[MJS73]

I need some help with a thermostat housing/leak problem.  When I installed a new Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, I noticed that the thermostat housing was deteriorating, so I got new chrome one from Summit.  It was then that I noticed that the new intake did not have a recess for the thermostat like the old intake did, but the thermostat housing did.  So everything went back together, but I get seeping of coolant at the thermostat housing, even after tightening the clamp way down.  I was told that the chrome thermostat housings don't seal as well as the OEM ones?  So do I look for an OE thermostat housing?

Mike

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Chrome t-stat housings, SUCK. They usually at the very lease need to be flattened out, and have the tendacy to warp. (yes, there are a few that are fine, but the majority are no good). My local auto parts place had a stocker housing in stock. Sealed perfect on the first try.

[MJS73]

Thanks, Mike.  That's what I was hoping to hear.

Mike

[Chryco Psycho]

That has been my experience also virtually all aftermarket Housings will leak , often the groove for the T sta is cut otu too far & into the bolt holes & will never seal up

[cudabuyer]

exactly, get a stocker or leak like the Titanic & the Sea Diamond, unbelievable in this Day with loss of life 

[Topcat]

I have seen a T stat housing that has an O ring seal built into it. I know they make it for Chebbies and Ferds but I don't recall who makes them. Mopar too?

I recall my woes in the past with Chrome T stat housings also and won't travel that path again. I would pay 20 for an OEM than 10 for a Chrome.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

I hear the billet alum ones aren't having sealing issues, but are 

[MJS73]

Mike, Did you use a gasket sealant on the water outlet, or just the gasket?

Mike

[Stacked440]

I use spray-tack I believe its called, red colored gasket sealer in a spray can, you'll know its the right stuff if it has a sweet smell to it when you spray it.   I sprayed it on both sides of the gasket and on both the water pump housing and the thermostat housing, no leaks, cant complain

[IMNCARN82]

Got 1 from Summit too..I tried formagasket.   but I ended up taking it off and throwing it as far as I could 

[KellysCuda aircard]

Mine leaked also...and now sits on the shelf.

[moparman11]

I bought one with the o-ring, and used a sealant, still had a leak. someone told me it was the chrome plateing, they removed the plateing from the bottom, and it worked. I havnt tried it, but I think I will, John

[EVIL72]

 Yep my chrome one leaked too, so I just repainted the stock one and now no problem.
 I took a belt sander to one in high school until all the chrome was off the bottom and it didn't leak, but I've seen others do the same thing and it still leaked, so I must have just got lucky on that one.

[pink panther]

my chrome one leaked as well, I ended up getting rid of the gasket and just used RTV sealer, no leaks since.

[ted]

Napa sells a replacement non chromed housinhg.