Perfect Seal On Thermostat Housing Gaskets O.K.?

[JEC]

5.7 L Alpha One Gen 2 (GM small block). Replacing T-stat and want to use Perfect Seal on upper (cover) and lower (at intake manifold) T-stat housing gaskets. Temp sensor and overheat alarm sensor thread into housing. Lower gasket has the four rivets to maintain grounding of the housing. Is use of Perfect Seal routine here? Does it cause any problems with maintaining the grounding of the T-stat housing? Additionally does anyone use Perfect Seal to light coat the O-ring between the T-stat and the housing?

Thank you, JEC

 

[wkb2460]

Re: Perfect Seal On Thermostat Housing Gaskets O.K.?

I believe the mercruiser manual states to use NO sealant on the gaskets with the rivets.

 

[Brentathon]

Re: Perfect Seal On Thermostat Housing Gaskets O.K.?

The rivet design seems to be such a half-*** design, anyway. I always double check continuity between everything with a multi-meter.
I also have a ground wire that is clamped to the base of my temp sender, which also adds to continuity of the T-stat housing.

 

[John_S]

Re: Perfect Seal On Thermostat Housing Gaskets O.K.?

I wouldn't put perfect seal on any o-ring. O-ring are suppose to seal. If it is worn, dry, cracking, just replace it.

 

[CheeseCutter]

Re: Perfect Seal On Thermostat Housing Gaskets O.K.?

Welcome to iboats JEC.

I once tried Perfect Seal on my tstat gasket and lost the continuity. If you are in a situation where you need the sealant (ie: corrroded / pitted surfaces), then you could use the Perect Seal, but create a separate ground connection such as what Brent posted.

 

[JEC]

Re: Perfect Seal On Thermostat Housing Gaskets O.K.?

Thanks to all for the responses.

I'll go without Perfect Seal on the gaskets. Mating surfaces are pretty smooth after careful wet and dry sanding with a sanding block, so should not leak and I want to keep the grounding continuity.

JEC