Ford3000 - dripping thermostat housing

[brumer0]

Hi,

I decided to replace the radiator and thermostat on my 1973 diesel Ford 3000. When filling her back up I noticed a pretty good leak coming from the bottom of the thermostat housing. Half a gallon later I discovered that the gasket was torn. Fortunately I had another. Taking extra care this time I put it back together. Now it is a drip from the lower screw on the thermostat housing. Im pretty frustrated at this point. I am fairly confident that the gasket isnt torn this time and now the parts store is closed. Its cranked down pretty good and I dont want to do much more for fear of breaking off the bolt.

Any thoughts on what could be going on? Any tricks that you experienced folks can share?

Thanks!


...sigh...

 

[RickB]

The thermostat was out of position the first time. The gasket was compromised and the housing was cracked. You replaced the gasket but not the housing. That’s next.

 

[brumer0]

I agree on part of your post. The first time the thermostat shifted and jacked up the gasket. I identified it pretty early and didn't crank down the bolt too bad.

With visual inspection it didn't appear there was anything wrong with the housing. It's just a slow leak on the bolt. Do you still think it's the housing?

Thanks for your help

 

[RickB]

Yes, I do.

 

[brumer0]

Sounds like a plan. Thanks!

I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Texasmark]

Yes, I do.

Cast iron, I don't see it as the cover. Aluminum yes as I broke one on a truck years ago. The stat is hard to keep in the slot when installing. I suggest vaseline petroleum jelly to hold it in while mounting. Other thing is to look at the flange/gasket/engine block interface, after inserting the mounting bolts but prior to running them on in.. If the TS has slipped, you will see a gap there. If not you won't see a gap.