Thermostat gasket

[Pomorza]

Hey all

This past weekend I noticed that my theromstat housing is leaking from where it mates to the block. (by notice I mean there was sizzling coolant sitting on the head near it). Does this area come with a gasket and if so where can one find one.

Thanks all

Jan

[draztik280]

They do come with gasket. I just replaced my thermostat last weekend. So the gasket needs to be replaced as well. If you are replacing the gasket, might as well change the thermostat and clean the surface thoroughly so the gasket sits well. You can get the thermostat gasket at www.autozone.com

This is what i got for my 77z

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/1977-Nissan-Datsun-280Z/Thermostat-Gasket/_/N-indg1Z91sst?filterByKeyWord=Thermostat&fromString=search

Edited April 16, 2012 by draztik280

[Captain Obvious]

Be careful with the mounting bolts... It is not uncommon for them snap off leaving the threaded portion stuck in the aluminum.

Turns a simple fifteen minute job into an all day swearing affair.

[FastWoman]

^^^ What obvious said! The forward bolt threads into the timing chain cover, so the backside is soaked with oil. It will remove easily. The rearward bolt will probably be a mess because of corrosion from the leak. In the case of my own thermo housing bolt, there was a large blob of corrosion between the head and the housing that was too large to pass through the bolt hole. It actually jammed in the hole as I was trying to back it out. You may need to remove the forward bolt first, and only then back out the rearward bolt while simultaneously pulling the housing away from the head.

Before reinstalling, you might want to clean up all the threads with a tap and dye. If you do this, be aware that the forward threaded hole surfaces just beneath the timing chain guide. If you force a tap through there, you'll quite likely bend the guide. That hole probably doesn't need cleaning anyway, but if it does, you can remove the valve cover to observe the tap as it surfaces from the hole (so that you don't go any farther and bend your guide).

Just so you're aware, that very same slow leak made my life a living hell when I tried to remove the manifold bolts around cyl #1.

[Pomorza]

Fastwoman

I've had the thermostat housing off before (about 4 months ago) when I was doing my exhaust gasket. The bolts all came out nice and clean but there was no gasket on the block, just a load of red silicone. I though (wrongly) that I can just put it back and all would be well but clearly not. I'm not all that worried about the bolt(s) breaking since I had them out before, I'm worried that I won't be able to find the gasket that goes on the block, as it seems to be a mystery to all the auto part store guys. ("yes the gasket that goes on the block, not the one on the thermostat...")

Thanks greatly

Jan

[Zed Head]

These two sites are the best for finding odd parts. $2.69. -

http://www.carpartsmanual.com/datsuns30/DatsunZIndex/Engine280Z/CylinderHead/tabid/1600/Default.aspx

http://www.courtesyparts.com/gasket-the-p-240439.html

[beermanpete]

I cut my own gasket from a sheet of gasket material. It works well.

[siteunseen]

I had to make my own too. It didn't leak.

[FastWoman]

Jan, I just picked up a Felpro (pretty sure) gasket from AutoZone. They had to order it in, but they had it for me within a day. I think it was this one:

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Duralast-By-Felpro-Thermostat-Gasket/1978-Nissan-Datsun-280Z/_/N-ivfvlZ91sst?itemIdentifier=225055_188053_0_

[mjr45]

Pomorza, I believe I may have an extra if you want it.