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Severe coolant leak under thermostat housing

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Old 02-17-2007 | 06:29 PM
  #1  
TxDiesel007's Avatar
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From: Laredo
Severe coolant leak under thermostat housing

Guys

i noticed i had a coolant leak earlier during the week, I thought it was the HG but i turned out luck and saw taht it was beneath the thermostat housing. As luck would have it, i wound up replacing the thermostat this morning and i used both new seals as well. All seemed well as i put everything together and letting the engine idle for a few minutes, i saw no leaks.. i thought great, problem solved..

I went to the theatre to pick up some popcorn a while ago for the gf, and i saw the temp gauge go up higher than normal. I pop the hood and see a massive coolant leak, AGAIN FROM THE SAME area that It had happened prior...

Question for this, Is there a gasket that is supposed to go on the thermostat housing? Or, am i supposed to just use some gasket maker. Easier said than done tho, can i just cover up the area with formagasket? or am i supposed to remove everything again and gasket it in the housing itself.

It is much easier said than done, with the alternator removed and the Coolant overflow bottle i still cannot see where its leaking i just know its at the bottom..

suggestions please or ideas? Im gonna tackle this tomorrow, i wouldnt be pressing on it too hard, but i have to go to san antonio for a Dr's apt monday so any and all help is appreciated..

Sorry if its a stupid question, but i wanna fix it once and fix it right....

Rick
Old 02-17-2007 | 06:39 PM
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From: Saint Ignatius, MT
Isn't there a cover that's bolted on near there? Unbolt the cover and you will find a threaded plug or something that has an o-ring. Just going off memory from my cousins 94 12valve.
Old 02-17-2007 | 08:41 PM
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There's the gasket that goes around the thermostat sealing the flange conected to your hose and then there's a gasket on the thermostat housing against the block, three bolts. I think there's a pipe plug in the housing as well.
Old 02-17-2007 | 08:49 PM
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From: Laredo
Originally Posted by clutch1
There's the gasket that goes around the thermostat sealing the flange conected to your hose and then there's a gasket on the thermostat housing against the block, three bolts. I think there's a pipe plug in the housing as well.
yes,

i replaced those, i need one for the housing as well, i have a severe leak, and well its ticking me off...those werent a problem at all, i think the housing is the problem... and the leak..

Thanks guys,

i found the PN i need, a gasket is optional, and i will order it, seein as I still cannot stop this leak.. thanks again


Rick
Old 02-18-2007 | 10:10 AM
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Rick,

I hate to say this, but I will. My 96 did the exact same thing. I thought it was the thermostat too, but the more I looked at it...It was leaking from the head. Check real carefully around the front of the head next to the thermostat. Don't want to scare you, but thats what the deal is with mine. I put some sealent in my system and waitining to buy a new 12v and throw it in.
Old 02-18-2007 | 01:14 PM
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From: Laredo
Originally Posted by Dodge@KY1997
Rick,

I hate to say this, but I will. My 96 did the exact same thing. I thought it was the thermostat too, but the more I looked at it...It was leaking from the head. Check real carefully around the front of the head next to the thermostat. Don't want to scare you, but thats what the deal is with mine. I put some sealent in my system and waitining to buy a new 12v and throw it in.
Right u were on this..

I did blow the headgasket.... but why do u want to buy a new 12V? when you can just stud it, gasket it, machine and o ring it, and it will be good? isnt that cheaper?

ON edit.. never mind, shoulda read ur sig...

Rick
Old 02-18-2007 | 01:29 PM
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Hhahaah yeah, 409k.....The timer is ticking lol...I have considered replacing the headgasket but i have never done it before on a diesel and know it will be @*@&#&# trying to lift that head out.
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