thermostat housing leaking

[Wyomingman]

I have a 2002 Mercruiser 4.3 MPI. Today I took it out for the first run of the season. LAst fall I winterized it by taking off the thermostat housing a pouring anti freeze into the block. The thermostat housing was "stuck" on when I first took it off but with a lttle tug it popped off. Today I noticed some water spraying out of the housing where it meets the block. I don't remember an o ring or gasket on this and when I pulled it off today, there was none there. I am thinking since it is metal to metal where it meets there should be some kind of seal? Is this correct? Do you think thats why it is leaking????

 

[swaycleveland]

Re: thermostat housing leaking

the somple answer is yes. yes there should be a gasket or oring there or at least some rtv ( silicone gasket) so that would eb ther reason you ar leaking

 

[Wyomingman]

Re: thermostat housing leaking

I ordered a new thermostat housing gasket that will hopefully stop the leak. Do i need to apply any sealer to the gasker or just clean the surface of the thermostat housing and put the gasket on?

 

[madurodave]

Re: thermostat housing leaking

I ordered a new thermostat housing gasket that will hopefully stop the leak. Do i need to apply any sealer to the gasker or just clean the surface of the thermostat housing and put the gasket on?

I just cleaned the surfaces well and use the gasket. that's what it's for.