Thermostat not a snug fit

[sakoluvr]

I noticed that the thermostat that was removed from the '97 (new radiator job) had to be pulled out of place and the new one had a loose fit. New toyota gasket and t stat replacement. Torque to spec.

Getting a slight seep from the housing seam. May have to drain and pull the t stat again when I get a chance. Not leaking enough for me to do immediately. BTW, had almost a 15 ° temp drop putting the jiggle valve at 6:00 from the 12:00 position it was in.

Anybody else deal with a slight leak after a t stat replacement?

 

[jgue467]

Haven't heard of leaks after new install. Is it installed with jiggle valve pointing down to 6 o'clock? Maybe go a little tighter? Does it feel good and tight or still have some to go? :cowboy:

 

[sakoluvr]

I used my old craftsman torque wrench since my clicker CVI did not go down that far. I am getting another CVI in inch pounds and will check the torque again. Right now I will live with the seep rather than risk breaking a stud. Should have the new torque wrench in a couple of days, but the nuts felt tight .

That jiggle valve at 6:00 dropped the operating temp almost 15°

 

[LittleCaesar]

If the gasket had been in inventory for some time, it may have seen enough hot/cold cycles to have shrunk just enough.

Buy another one before doing anything else.

You know the torque is 14ft/lbs? If need be, clean the threads on the stud, apply a toothpick drop or two of blue loctite, and put it back in.

 

[pluton]

Is it possible that the water outlet is an aftermarket part?

 

[Buckaroo]

Have to make sure the mating surfaces are smooth/clean prior to install but have to take care not to gouge or scratch them.

Buckaroo