89 Delta 88 Water Outlet

[technovative]

I'm working on an 89 Delta 88 with the 3800 v6. The engine overheated and the pressure caused a leak at the water outlet. I decided to replace the the thermostat since I had to remove the outlet anyway. I was suprised to discover that the water outlet is fastened with only one bolt. I installed the new thermostat, thermostat seal, and water outlet o-ring. The problem is that when I tighten the single bolt the outlet doesn't seat fully. Any suggestions?

[moscow913]

A thermostat housing with one bolt? If that is truly the case, it would have to have some kind of tab on one side with the bolt on the other...a slot the edge goes in and a bolt on the opposite side. I can't remember if those were set up that way. All I remember is two bolt thermostat housings.

[The_Mechanic_33]

the nubs on the rubber gasket point up,(gasket part number 25535939). And yes its only one bolt.

[technovative]

Originally Posted by The_Mechanic_33

the nubs on the rubber gasket point up,(gasket part number 25535939). And yes its only one bolt.

I assume the part number you refferenced is the GM number? I bought the parts from Advanced auto parts and the FelPro gasket part number is 35126. There aren't any "nubs" on the gasket it's basically an o-ring with a flange molded into the rubber on both sides.

[The_Mechanic_33]

Ok so the flange points up and the o ring fits on the groove of the pipe housing.match the parts and make sure the thermostat is the same height.

[technovative]

Originally Posted by The_Mechanic_33

Ok so the flange points up and the o ring fits on the groove of the pipe housing.match the parts and make sure the thermostat is the same height.

There is a flange on both sides of the gasket, meaning both sides are exactly the same. The original gasket appears to only have a flange on one side. I may have to get OE part from GM. The thermostat is the same hieght. Thanks for the suggestions.

[The_Mechanic_33]

The inside diameter of the new gasket is conical in shape and should be installed on the thermostat. Remove and discard old style paper gasket.

Your welcome.