02v8ta

iTrader: (8)

Notice the "sealant" around the thermostat housing? Looks almost like silicone if silicone turns grayish in the elements? I was going to swap it out with a 160 but figured not to even bother with it yet. Hope the bitch doesn't leak when i do....

defaultexistence

iTrader: (11)

If t-stat is installed and fasteners torqued properly the new t-stat rubber seal wont need silicone... Clean all that crap off

Badazz 97 TA

iTrader: (18)

yeah it shouldnt need any at all. wonder why they did that. It was probably just the black rtv sealant

02v8ta

iTrader: (8)

Now i'm concerned someone did that Think i should be fine once replaced with the new one and the o ring?

RamAir95TA

iTrader: (2)

It's not going to hurt anything, calm down.

Just pull the old one out, clean up the silicone, then install the new one sans silicone.

02v8ta

iTrader: (8)

Thanks for the chill pill, haha

MasterTomos

iTrader: (15)

Btw new thermostats come with new o-rings IIRC

boostedlt1

iTrader: (2)

do the throttle body bypass while you're in there

02v8ta

iTrader: (8)

Not familiar with this. Feel like explaining or posting a link for reading?

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

Let me Google that for you.

93M6Formula

I had to use silicone around my water neck when I replaced the waterpump because when I filled up the coolant, it started seeping out even without pressure. I assume since it was an aftermarket pump that maybe the casting had imperfections or something.

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

You are very likely correct. It's sad, but finding quality replacement parts for these engines is becoming a real problem. I replaced my radiator a few months ago with an Autozone special. Every single port, inlet/outlet was smaller than stock, meaning the stock hose clamps did not have enough force to keep coolant from seeping. I had to do some work on the tabs for the coolant level sensor as well has basically almost having to hammer it into place. Frustrating as hell.