Just replaced the thermostat in my 02 XK8, thought I had it all buttoned up correctly but now I see that I'm leaking from the bottom of the cover that goes over the thermostat. Those bolts only go to 9Nm is it possible that the thermostat didn't seat correctly? There's only one seal and it goes around the thermostat. I'm probably going to pop the cover back off and try again with a new seal on the thermostat but I wanted to get y'alls opinion first. As usually any help is appreciated.

 

Most likely it isn't seated correctly. Remove the 3 bolts and remove the thermostat. Is the seal fitted tightly around the thermostat? Make sure the wiggle pin is at the top 12 o'clock position. Wipe everything clean and then place the thermostat back in the housing. Hold the cover against it and run the bolts down snug by hand. t is important to tighten the bolts slowly and move from one to the other to keep the flanges parallel and not cocked. Once everything is snug torque in steps around the 3 bolts.
Unless the seal is torn or severely pinched you should have no problem reusing it.

 

+1 with what avern1 said..... also put a little grease or anti-seize on the bolts for the t-stat cover. Its common that they seize in the brass inserts, then when you start to take the bolt out, the insert spins rather than just the bolt.

 

Still using the original plastic thermostat housing? If so, an aluminium upgrade would be a good move whilst you're on with the cooling system.

Graham

 

Aluminum t-stat housing, just took it apart again and noticed that there is a paper freaking gasket there between the cover and the housing. Does any of our FLAP dealers carry this aftermarket gasket? I checked autozone online and got a nope. I can see where the gasket is just buggered up enough to not seal.

 

I know a lot of the aftermarket kits have the paper gasket but it isn't needed. I don't know why they include it. The rubber seal around the thermostat is all that is required.

 

What I was hoping to hear, just cleaned off all the old bits and I'm about to finish buttoning it all up