do i really need this gasket

[possum2082]

http://www.volvopentastore.com/mall/image/vendor/699/EPC/bigger/8060_big.png

i have an 86 volvo penta aq225(e most likely, but i digress). i took off the thermostat housing to have a look and my thermostat did not have a locking ring (36) like in the diagram above. instead, their was a brass tube/ring several inches in diameter that you have to pull out to free the thermostat. once i removed the thermostat, i noticed there was no "sealing ring" (35A on the diagram).

my question: do i need this sealing ring considering my boat has never overheated before?

 

[Black as]

Re: do i really need this gasket

I would replace it, it only needs to overheat once

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: do i really need this gasket

What U have is the setup used in Mercruisers.Put it back just like U found it.Ring not absolutely necessary.J

 

[Don S]

Re: do i really need this gasket

I posted to this thread yesterday, obviously I hit the wrong button cause it's not here.
You so need that ring. Without it the thermostat is not effective. There will be a lot of water moving around the outside of the thermostat that shouldn't happen.

 

[possum2082]

Re: do i really need this gasket

thank you everyone. i was thinking the same thing as don about water sneaking around the thermostat. i found a rubber seal the perfect size at autozone the other day (i was just rummaging thru their back). my only prob with it is the fact that it causes the brass tube/ring to sit high and the mating surfaces will not lie flush. i think i'm just going to grind down the tube/ring that holds the thermostat in place.

 

[Don S]

Re: do i really need this gasket

That seal is not an oring, it's split and the edge of the thermostat fit's in it. You need the right part.