Problem installing Thermostat
Hello, I have a 2000 Monte Carlo, with a 3.4 L engine. Engine was taking too long to warm up so decided to install another thermostat. Temperature gauge very slow moving. I disconnected the thermostat easily except for the lower bolt, took forever to get that thing out with a open in box wrench. The problem is the lower bolt of the thermostat housing. This bolt is nearly impossible to install with the thermostat housing installed first. There is some sort of pipe in the way; I do not know what it is called, but if it was not there, I would have finish this job in a hour or so. I tried to install the thermostat first by installing the lower bolt first; afterwards, I installed the housing and upper bolt. Had a difficult time getting it to line up properly, which is probably why it leaked badly after starting the engine. Had to start all over! Very aggravated to say the least. Has anyone else experience this problem with installing a thermostat on a 3.4 engine? If so, what is the best way to repair this thing. Also need to know what is the best type of sealant to use. I tried something in a little brown bottle with an Indian head on it. Nothing but a mess, it did not seal the thermostat properly according to the leak I had. Maybe I did not let it dry long enough. Next go around, I am using some kind of blue silicone sealant; It does not seem to work either. As soon as I tried to reinstall the housing, that crap fell off from the housing and the engine. Maybe, it is too cold out (twenties). I would appreciate any assistance any of you can provide on the best way to install that lower bolt and the best sealant to use. Hope to hear from you soon!
Tuesday, September 4th, 2018 AT 5:07 PM
(Merged)