T-stat hsg bolt anti-sieze

[austinrick]

I'll be changing out the t-stat on my '93 XLT 3.0L soon and wonder if there are opinions on using a dab of Anti-Sieze on the housing bolt threads. The bolts were supposedly replaced around 10-12 years ago and I always worry about breaking one backing them out after so long.

If they come out okay and look good I'll reuse them. What do you think of a little Anti-Sieze on whatever bolts go back in? -thx

 

[RonD]

Yes, that would be fine, they only have 15-20ft/lb torque so should come out easily

 

[Doofy]

I've been using anti-seize for years and have never had any problems. Thermostat housing bolts are fine, however, there are usually a couple of bolts on water pumps that require a sealer instead because they pass through a water jacket.

 

[austinrick]

Works for me, folks, thanks very much for the encouraging words.

 

[rangerenthiusiast]

I’m sure you’ve probably already thought of this, but when it comes to bolts that haven’t been out for a while, I always like to spray some PB Blaster or Aerokroil on them once a day for several days beforehand, so that the lubricant has a chance to get down into the threads. If they fight you coming out, you could also try gently working the bolts a tiny bit in each direction (with occasional sprays of the same lube), in order to try to break things loose. Finally, if desperate, you could gently tap the heads of the bolts with a ball peen hammer and a brass drift, again to try to break up the rust without snapping the bolts.

If the worst should happen and one snaps, see if you can get an easy out tool in there. If so, drill a small hole into the bolt stud, work the easy out into it, and they should back out of there. Barring that, you’ll need to use a tap and die to cut new threads in there.

Good luck!