Help Needed. Changed thermostat - now leaking

[badappex]

Changed my stat on a 99 Camry, I4. Now the housing with the thermostat keeps dripping slightly with coolant. I try to tighten the 2 10mm bolts but it doesn't appear to stop it. I'm afraid if I keep tightening, the bolts will either break or the leak will get worse.

Unsure of my next step..

[Judge2]

I think if there is a leak the issue is the gasket, rather than tighten more.

[badappex]

So I should purchase another gasket and replace?

Seems the gasket went on pretty well. I had to hold it a bit to make sure it stayed on while I tightened.

[Judge2]

I'd take off the termostat and see if the gasket is twisted for some reason. Gaskets are cheap, so if it is your only car, have the replacement gasket in hand before you remove the thermostat.

[badappex]

Thanks Judge. Seemed like a pretty straight forward job, unsure what happened.
Is there a specific way to change these or align them so the gasket doesn't get twisted?

i know about the jiggle valve @ 12 o'clock but unsure if anyone else has had the gasket leak on the first try or once a gasket is tighten it shouldn't be reused.

[hill8570]

Originally Posted by badappex

i know about the jiggle valve @ 12 o'clock but unsure if anyone else has had the gasket leak on the first try or once a gasket is tighten it shouldn't be reused.

You don't want to re-use an old gasket (in the interval between thermostat replacements, the gasket gets hard and brittle). If the gasket is new, it shouldn't be a problem popping it out and re-using it, as long as it wasn't damaged. As the Judge sez, gaskets are cheap, if you're going in there, might as well go in with a new gasket. Also, don't overtighten the nuts -- 80 inch-lbs is spec -- that ain't much torque.

[JohnGD]

The gasket costs a few dollars and should be replace every time you change out the thermostat. Didn't the dealer sell you one with the thermostat? Or at least suggested? They should.

If you have a plastic housing, then don't over torque it. You'll crack it. Even with the metal housing you shouldn't need more than 8-10 lbs IIRC.

I never use aftermarket thermostats, domestic or imports, they always look cheap and without the jiggle valve. The gasket fits around the thermostat, but you know that already:

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=260025

Originally Posted by badappex

Changed my stat on a 99 Camry, I4. Now the housing with the thermostat keeps dripping slightly with coolant. I try to tighten the 2 10mm bolts but it doesn't appear to stop it. I'm afraid if I keep tightening, the bolts will either break or the leak will get worse.

Unsure of my next step..

[AlmightyCamry777]

Yes what everyone is saying - change the gasket. You just did it so you're in practice, it'll be a cinch. if you used silicone sealant on it last time, don't - use the brown permatex. (I don't trust the silicone sealer for anything important as it has failed on me too many times in the past.)

Clean everything like new again, make sure the sealing surfaces are clean and dry. Put on the sealer according to the instructions - brown permatex tube says to apply it then wait a few minutes for it to get tacky, then put on the gasket. Put the brown permatex sealer on the other side too and allow it to get tacky. Reinstall thermostat (a tiny dab of the sealant will help hold it in place in the hole so it doesn't sift out of place).
Reinstall the thermostat housing and tighten the bolts gently 9its only 6 or 9 ft lbs remember!) Allow the sealer to dry for as long as it says on the tube, or at least an hour if you don't have time, only then add the coolant.

[badappex]

Update:

Picked up a FelPro gasket and installed it. The precious gasket got slightly crimped by the housing which caused the leak. No no leaks and everything seems god. Also, I was able to drain, remove, install and refill in about 35 minutes. Seems my times are improving also.

Thanks to all.

[JohnGD]