2001 Chevy Impala

178,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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TT1234567
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
how do i get my car from leaking antifreeze from the thremostat i just changed it like a week ago and it still leaks do you have any ideas?
Dec 25, 2009 at 12:58 PM
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ERNEST CLARK
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,730 POSTS
When you replaced the thermostat, did you also replace the gasket? If so, did you remove the old gasket material first? Sometimes the old gasket will stick to the mating surfaces, and prevent the new one from sealing correctly.

Remove the thermostat housing and make sure the two surfaces are completely clean of old material. (Don't put any scratches in the aluminum!) Then install a new gasket and make sure to tighten the housing down correctly, without over tightening it.

You can also place a thin bead of "High-Temp" silicon adhesive around the gasket to make sure. Don't use too much, and follow the instructions on the tube.
Jan 4, 2010 at 10:36 AM
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TT1234567
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
i did all that now its leakin from a somewhere else by my thermostat
Jan 18, 2010 at 1:11 PM
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ERNEST CLARK
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,730 POSTS
With the engine off and completely cold, wipe the area around the thermostat housing clean, including the hose and hose clamp.

Then start the engine and let it idle until the thermostat opens. The pressure should cause the leak to begin again, and since you have the area clean, it should be relatively easy to determine exactly where it's leaking from.

I suspect that the leak is originating from the hose or hose clamp. If so, you may have not tightened the hose clamp down enough, or you many have placed the clamp directly ontop of the nipple instead of behind it. This will cause a leak.

Also, you may have a small hole of crack in the hose. If you're sure you removed all old gasket material from the housing and used RTV with a new gasket, then it can't be anything other than the hose clamp or hose. Clean the area and follow my directions. Get back with me when you're done. We'll take it from there.
Jan 18, 2010 at 1:18 PM
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