Thermostat Housing Leaking After Rad Replace

[Dirt Sailor]

I recently replaced my radiator, thermostat and thermostat gasket on my 97 runner using Hour's go by : http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/171072-guide-radiator-thermostat-replacement-noobs.html

The install went smoothly but after putting about 1 gallon of coolant in it began leaking fairly rapidly from the bottom of the thermostat housing. I torqued the nuts down to 14lb per the go by but no luck.

The housing doesn't appear cracked or pitted. I have tried cleaning both surfaces the gasket touches as best as I could and putting the old gasket on, figuring the new one was the wrong size but it still leaks. This easy install has become quite a headache.

Am I missing something? Anything else I should check?

 

[cashmoney]

O-ring on the thermostat sitting properly?

 

[Dirt Sailor]

O-ring on the thermostat sitting properly?

Yeah I believe so, it doesn't seem pinched and seems fairly snug.

 

[Drcoffee]

Is it leaking between the inlet and water pump or water pump and engine block?

The t-stat seal on cheaper products is a foam type but the oem is rubber. You may need to buy a better seal and try again.

I know you said you followed the instructions in the link, so let me ask, did you install the wire bracket on the bolt before you put the inlet back on? That would be a mistake of course. The bracket will go between the nut and inlet. Thats the only thing I can think of that would make it leak out quickly.

Correct
http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/K...lacement/20140803_153735_zpsca77d147.jpg.html

 

[Dirt Sailor]

Is it leaking between the inlet and water pump or water pump and engine block?

The t-stat seal on cheaper products is a foam type but the oem is rubber. You may need to buy a better seal and try again.

I know you said you followed the instructions in the link, so let me ask, did you install the wire bracket on the bolt before you put the inlet back on? That would be a mistake of course. The bracket will go between the nut and inlet. Thats the only thing I can think of that would make it leak out quickly.

Correct
20140803_153735_zpsca77d147.jpg Photo by Kagrav1994 | Photobucket

It seems to be leaking between inlet and water pump. I replaced it with an oem rubber seal.

You might be onto something with the wire bracket thing. Not home at the moment, but the more I think of it, I think I did put it on the bolt before replacing inlet. I'll give it a shot, thanks!

 

[Dirt Sailor]

SHE LIVES! That was it, thanks a ton Drcoffee. I'm angry that I was so perplexed by that but glad it was a simple solution.