Changed thermostat - leaking!

[Greg.w]

Evening all,

Swapped the thermostat out recently and first time starting the car noticed it weeping around the 3 bolts where the thermostat is fitted.

It was a febi part I fitted that came with the rubber gasket.

It's such a simple job, old one out, new one in and do up the 3 bolts.

Have I done something wrong? Gasket looked good when I fitted it.

Thanks
Greg

 

[Mr Underhill]

Not uncommon to leak. Just use a smear of gasket sealant along the face of the bracket and it should seal.

 

[Greg.w]

Not uncommon to leak. Just use a smear of gasket sealant along the face of the bracket and it should seal.

Ah so not me being useless 🤣 cheers mate.

 

[Mr Trailer Man]

Make sure the mating surfaces of both are clean from Ali oxidation and dried up coolant as well.

 

[Greg.w]

Make sure the mating surfaces of both are clean from Ali oxidation and dried up coolant as well.

I gave the front a wire wheel including the bolts so that was like new, gave the internal a good clean too. Everything was spotless. I'll whip it off tomorrow and see if anythings fowling it. Failing that I'll put a bit of rtv on the face.

 

[Greg.w]

Sorted tonight with a tiny smear of rtv on the face. Only lost half a litre or so of coolant (changed the coolant less than 1 mile ago) so not too difficult a job, took about 10 minutes.

Thanks for the replies 👍