So i know i haven't posted in this post in a while but F-I-N-A-L-L-Y after a year and a half later i figured out the thermostat issue.
When i originally pulled it apart i only had one gasket like you see pictured here (i might add that the last thermostat change was done by a certified Pontiac garage my grandparents always took the car to
)
Turns out there's two gaskets! I never paid attention to the documents and such as when i pulled it apart i only had one. Its not documented very well on much either other than "install the gaskets."
Pic of the two gaskets that SHOULD be there
So, long story short and now I feel dumb, but very warm now i might add now that its getting colder, here are the part numbers you need and where to put them
Autozone:
35608 FelPro - This is the gasket for the first picture that fits around the water outlet itself
35126 FelPro - This is the critical gasket that seals up between the water outlet and the thermostat. It looks like a round gasket like the first one but with a rubber band on the inside of the round part is the best way to describe it. The pictures on most sites of this gasket is deceiving
Advanced auto
35608 - FelPro See above for placement
35126 - FelPro See above for placement
RockAuto
35608 - FelPro See above for placement
35126 - FelPro (or 25277 Stant) See above for placement
The internal dash thermostat is showing the correct temp of 195 as well. Its nice to have this working like new again
Now to still fix the back valve cover gasket, the rattling cat, squeeky front brake (that i feel is wheel bearing :(), hood side marker light, and side mirror from the *dang* deer, and i'll be back in business!
