Under Construction

September 29th, 2008

Please pardon our dust while we improve the website over the next few days.  If you need anything please feel free to call 616-301-2888 or email Mike.  Thank you!

Q & A: Leaking Thermostat

Friday March 13th, 2009
Q & A, MGA, MGB, MGC, MG T-Type, Midget
The first time, I installed the Moss gasket (PN 296-380) without any RTV or sealant. After a year, it leaked (upon removal, it seemed the gasket had disintegrated!).

I saw your video on making gaskets, so I made my own gasket using a high temperature gasket material (for carburetors and water pumps). For added insurance, I used high temperature RTV to seal the gaskets (both top and bottom sides) and the base of the three threaded posts. After a week of curing the RTV, I added coolant. Bottom line - I noticed another small leak at the gasket between the head and thermostat elbow after one drive. I tried tightening the three nyloc-nuts while the engine was hot. My plan is to see if this fixes the leak (however, I'm not too confident!).

My question is, what is your tried and true method for leak free thermostat gasket installations?
When I install a thermostat gasket there are several things I do to prep the parts. Remove the studs, if you can, and scrape and/or sand the contact surface CLEAN on the head. Then, reinstall the studs with grease so they'll come out again. Surf... read more