13 replies to this topic

[paul_s]

This weekend's job was to change the thermostat & gasket as there was water seeping out from it. 

In my infinite wisdom I didn't check when I ordered the parts and discovered I needed 2, not 1 gaskets on the thermostat housing. Clever boy.

 

I went to my local car parts shop to buy another gasket. This is a 'universal' one, and it's literally just a piece of cardboard. It looks like it's been punched out the back of cereal box or something!

 

Is that alright? The other one I have is from Minispares and is what I'd call 'proper' material: the fibrous-slightly-papery type of material. It's just that in my experience cardboard isn't a waterproof material...

[spaulwill]

Yes some are they are flimsy waxed paper. The cork ones do a better job though. Theoretically the paper shouldn't absorb the water like most of the engine gaskets they are 'paper' too. Just make sure all the faces of both the housing and the head are clean as the paper gasket won't be as forgiving with any surface variances

[adampat84]

I keep a sheet of gasket paper for such emergencies...

 

Make you own!

[KernowCooper]

It may well be punched out of Gasket Paper but the universal ones are very narrow in places due to the presence of so many pre-stamped holes and not the best gasket, I'd get some thick gasket paper from the parts shop and tap one out.

[paul_s]

Right, I'll swing past there later and see what I can get hold of some. Presumably it's just a case of getting the paper and just cutting it out?

[adampat84]

Right, I'll swing past there later and see what I can get hold of some. Presumably it's just a case of getting the paper and just cutting it out?

Blue Peter Style... minus the Sticky Back Plastic

[mk1monster]

tap one out.

And then make a gasket...


I'm sorry

[KernowCooper]

Usually just place the gasket paper on the housing and tap at a angle to make a gasket so it cuts the paper on the alloys edge and use a small ball payne hammer on the bolt holes

[Tommyboy12]

Or you could just buy a cork gasket for all of £1...

[KernowCooper]

Factors dont have one by the looks of it though, so its make one or a order to minispares again

[Tommyboy12]

Well this is true. My local factor only stocks a grey paper coloured one but it cost 80p or so. You can get the cork ones on eBay for £1.50 delivered and ive had them turn up next day if ive ordered them in the morning. I have 3 or 4 spare at the moment to save delay.

[paul_s]

Well, I'd prefer a cork one so I may order a couple with the next Minispares order. Paying postage for a gasket or two seems excessive in  my eyes. I'll probably plump with the paper one for now as I need to get the car back together to drive it to work in the morning!

 

Thanks for all the advice though :)

[A-Cell]

Silicone Gasket maker works. Eg Loctite 5699 recommended for glycol

[paul_s]

I couldn't find any gasket paper or a proper gasket so I used the universal one. It seems to have sealed ok but looks messy with all the bits hanging out! I may have to replace it as some point soon to tidy it up (though the rest of the engine bay is still a mess!)

 

Thanks for all the advice; liquid gasket and / or a cork gasket will be on order for next time..