Hardbody thermostat

[JL-KA]

I just replaced the thermostat on my 94HB with the KA24E. I've done dozens of thermostats on other cars and it's usually a 15min job for me. I had a hell of a time because of the vertical mounting of the housing. It took forever to get the thermostat to stay in the groove...while positioning the housing...while trying to not F up my silicone bead. Has anyone come up with any tricks to make this job a little quicker?

[MrOldLude]

Well, the job is a ***** overall. To really feel comfortable, I really had to take the old girl apart. Belts, hoses, fan, radiator, etc. And I feel your pain with that stupid DIY RTV silicone since they don't feel we deserved a real gasket.

And trust me, I took the truck apart and put it back together 4 times trying to solve a coolant drip.

1. My hoses were old, so I thought they were leaking. Replaced them, the original T-stat, and the coolant inlet that was pitted to hell. Put it back together.2. Upon filling, the t-stat has slipped, and turned into a giant leak. Took it apart, put it back together.3. Truck still dripped. I was paranoid I screwed up the gasket. Took it apart, put it back together.4. Finally realizing the inlet/hoses weren't at fault, I replaced the water-pump. Put it back together, solved the problem.

(the bearing seals were going, and it was dripping from the weap-hole.)

For the thermostat - tack it in place with a miniscule amount of super-glue. It won't hurt anything in such small quantities.

For the inlet, put a good bead around the inlet flange, smooth it out with a wetted finger, and then let it sit for 30-45 minutes. The silicone will tack up, and be much less prone to smearing if you're gentle with it. But it'll still conform to the engine's mating surface.

[95hb]

i just put a bit of like selant that can handle water on the thermostat

[blackd21vg30de]

just for the record at advance autoparts they have the gasket for our thermostat. .99 cents is all it is.. cheapr than a tube of rtv!!