Corroded t-stat area Help!

[brielly]

I changed out my t-stats the other day on my merc 135 and noticed there was some bad corrosion on the cylinder head where the t-stat cover meets the head. Sure enough its leaking some water while running. I tried some high temp silicone which is drying at the moment. I'm not sure if this will work or not. Is there a better fix? I thought maybe some high temp jb weld to build up the small area thats corroded but I'm not sure if it will last. Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Corroded t-stat area Help!

You are better off with the silicone. You would need a way to machine the JB Weld to make it perfectly flat. Normally you put a bead of silicone on, Reassemble, but leave 1/16" space between the parts for an hour or so, and then tighten up the bolts.

 

[brielly]

Re: Corroded t-stat area Help!

Sounds good. I also thought the silicone might adhere a little better than the jb weld to the coroded metal.

 

[brielly]

Re: Corroded t-stat area Help!

Well now I have bigger problems. I went to snug down the bolts and sure enough one is stripped. Now what? Can this thing be heli coiled?

 

[jmburock]

Re: Corroded t-stat area Help!

It can be easily Heli-Coiled. Need a 21/64" bit to drill it out and the M8x1.25" Heli-Coil hit. I found these at NAPA. Did about 8 of them on the water jacket cover over the winter when 8 of the bolts broke off. Spent many hours on that ordeal... good luck.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Corroded t-stat area Help!

Try a slightly longer bolt. Sometimes the factory will tap them deeper.