Anybody know the torque specs for the two bolts on the thermostat housing? RAVE says 28nm ~ 20.6 ft/lbs unless I'm reading wrong. Working on my 3rd gasket in as many days. 1st one was metal/composite and leaked. 2nd one was paper and split around bolt holes after I torqued. I'm about to try the Felpro from the tech section (it's the last one I have). Is there a trick to this?

 

A skim of R T V, and firmly twist socket, have never used a torque wrench on mine, will that make it run cooler?

 

I didn't torque and I used the paper felpro one (i think it's a chevy engine gasket) and just tightened with a wrench, extension, and socket combo till it was snug. Then I tightened about a quarter turn more.

 

What he said, tighten evenly, good and snug, then 1/4 turn more.

 

Just a follow up...I used the Felpro and tightened what I judged to be snug, then 1/4 turn more (still under RAVE torque value). It leaked immediately when I put coolant in (before starting). I continued to tighten until I reached torque spec, then drove the truck. It leaked. I snugged the bolts a little more while warm (1/16 of a turn if that) and now it seems to be holding with no leaks. I've been checking after each trip, but wonder what will happen once summer temps arrive. The next stop will be RTV, but I find it ironic that I can do a successful (so far the truck runs great) head gasket/front cover/timing chain job and cannot get the thermostat gasket or oil sump gasket (another story) to work.

 

idk so wait for an answer, but how about RTV plus Felpro gasket combo? And just tighten till it stops. Works everytime for me? haha