New radiator, now temp sensor leaks.

[badappex]

Just replaced the radiator on the '99 camry (I4). Put everything back and now I notice he coolant weeping through where the temperature sensor bolts into. I tried to tighten, but fear too many turns will eat the threads. I've added an O-ring, even though my original never had one - and never leaked.

Anyone have luck using Permatex gasket maker? A thick coating may do the trick?

[bronzemaxell]

Originally Posted by badappex

Just replaced the radiator on the '99 camry (I4). Put everything back and now I notice he coolant weeping through where the temperature sensor bolts into. I tried to tighten, but fear too many turns will eat the threads. I've added an O-ring, even though my original never had one - and never leaked.

Anyone have luck using Permatex gasket maker? A thick coating may do the trick?

i've used the red permatex silicone on to make a gasket for temp sensor on the radiator, it must have been 3 to 4 years now, still ok.
but i did let it dried before filling the coolant.

[badappex]

Good to know. Unsure if yours was leaking or just a preventative measure. I plan on draining letting it dry overnight.

[hill8570]

Doubt you'd need silicone...just a little sumpthin' on the threads should do the trick. The Toyota replacement part comes with something like Permatex Blue on the threads -- I'd just go with that.

[badappex]

Don't know what the difference is between the blue and red, but will look into it when I pick one up. Just looking for the best sealer I can get for the threads. Apparently there is an Oring that helps, but mine never had it. So i need something strong enough to hold.

[bronzemaxell]

Originally Posted by badappex

Don't know what the difference is between the blue and red, but will look into it when I pick one up. Just looking for the best sealer I can get for the threads. Apparently there is an Oring that helps, but mine never had it. So i need something strong enough to hold.

when i replaced my radiator a few years ago, it was my fault i made the drain hole bigger than it was originally designed, don't ask me why i did that, i was just simply stupid, and even with the o-ring, i can see the gap, and it wasn't air tight, i didn't try to fill the coolant to see if it leaks, i went straight to use silicone around the drain hole opening, screw the sensor in. i was hoping it works, and it did.

[badappex]

Picked up a tube of Permatex thermostat and water pump housing gasket maker. Supposably a good choice when dealing with coolant, Needs to cure 24hrs so Ill let you know.

[JohnGD]

For those with o-ring seals a new o-ring should work (if the threads aren't damaged ).

For those without o-ring/washer, I typically use a teflon sealant, or as Haynes suggested - teflon tape.

http://www.permatex.com/products/Aut...ad_Sealant.htm

[badappex]

I used teflon tape prior, but didn't help. So many Permatex choices, I may try the thread seal next.