Can a brother get a picture...

[Need For Steve]

...of your thermostat?

Or at least a description of how you seated it into the gasket in your car?

I haven't been around the forums much in a while, but I've had this low operating temp problem for at least a couple years now. The car takes FOREVER to begin to heat up, and then runs dead in the middle between 100-200* on the gauge, fluctuating slightly. In a fit of preventative maintenance, I decided to replace my OE thermostat 2-3 years ago, and when I did I had to replace the OE rubber O-ring type T-stat gasket for the "improved" one. Well, the only thing I can figure is that I must have it installed wrong and it's letting coolant pass by, or the gasket is hanging the thermostat open?

So how in the world does that thing sit in there? A picture would be incredible

[Need For Steve]

Anyone?

Even just an overly dramatic explanation of exactly how yours sat in and went back together would help. I've tried three (3) new thermostats since this began happening and they all produced low temps, so it must be something I did wrong with the gasket thingy...

[imidazol97]

...of your thermostat? Or at least a description of how you seated it into the gasket in your car?

The slit on the inside of the gasket is where the thermostat metal edge goes.

[Need For Steve]

I really think that just solved it for me, thank you! That's definitely not how I put mine in I think I just sat my thermostat right on top of the gasket (like the old O-ring was) and hoped it sealed. It isn't haha, so thank you!

Also, I've seen differing things about, when the thermostat seal is replaced, whether you need a thermostat housing gasket or not. I've seen that some people don't use them. I really don't know.

[imidazol97]

I really think that just solved it for me, thank you! That's definitely not how I put mine in I think I just sat my thermostat right on top of the gasket (like the old O-ring was) and hoped it sealed. It isn'thaha, so thank you!

You aren't the first that did that.

Also, I've seen differing things about, when the thermostat seal is replaced, whether you need a thermostat housing gasket or not. I've seen that some people don't use them. I really don't know.

With the edge of the thermostat in the slot in the middle of the o-ring gasket, the ring squishes when the thermostat housing is tightened down. Coolant shouldn't leak around it.

I always wondered if the o-ring gasket should have the taper narrow edge down or up? I don't think anyone has addressed that.

Good luck.

[Boreas]

Narrow edge down.

I've never heard of people not using a housing gasket, unless they use gasket maker. I cant see how the gasket squishes, it should be flush on the manifold, which is where the second gasket for the housing comes in. The gasket is a mere ~$1.20 at your local parts store. Better be safe than sorry.