[73chevyhelp]

ok i have a leak at the water neck because its warped. so i found one but this one has a rubber ring in it. ive never seen one like it so i have a pic to show it. and i want to know do you still use a paper gasket with this new o ring style? or should i just use form a gasket and go?

 

[zach0208]

I just got one with the same thing. I was told just use gasket sealant and bolt it on. The ring takes the place of the paper gasket. Just make sure it fits in the groove in the neck housing. It works fine though.

 

[NorthStar]

There is a new style and old style seal for thermostats.


The old style is a gasket like was used for 40 years. Then GM came up with this new design that uses an o-ring.

You cant use the o-ring unless the intake manifold is machined with a larger recessed "groove" for the o-ring to fit into.
Cramming the o-ring in there and housing will most likely break.

Dont just replace the o-ring with paper gasket the thermostat will rattle around in the larger recessed hole with water going around thermostat.

All the different water necks will interchange though.

Thermostats are the same except for the Vortec.


large recess in intake = o-ring

small recess in intake = gasket

 

[1973monte]

don't use a paper gasket, just the oring. Have that setup on my monte, no leaks. Also, use the bolts that come with the housing. If you use the stock bolt with the nut on it for the alt bracket, it won't fit when you put it back on. Been there!

 

[poncho62]

You can fix your old housing by rubbing the mating surface over sandpaper on a flat surface.

I always put studs in the bolt holes and use nuts.....saves the threads after a few changes.

 

[Ghetto Jet]

Is that neck made by Mr. Gasket? I bought the same kind, I put it on a performer RPM manifold, it hasn't been tested(ran) yet though.

 

[1973monte]

Not sure if it's a Mr. Gasket. Got it at pep boys.

 

[TurboS10]

I have used several of those with good results. I put a thin coat of red sealant on it just before bolting it down.

Chris

 

[MI2600]

The best way I found to stop those pesky housing leaks is to go to a cast iron housing and use studs instead of bolts.

I went to NAPA and looked through their parts book and found the one I needed.