2.5L thermostat housing problems

[bdron]

I have a 2.5l in a 1988 yj and I am having problems with the thermostat housing or gasket leaking. The block has a recess in it for the thermostat so I am putting it in first then the gasket with rtv sealant on both sides then the housing and torque the bolts to 13ft/lbs. as soon as I put the anti freeze back in it starts to leak even before starting. It almost seems like it is coming out of the head gasket right below the housing but the motor seems to run good and no antifreeze in the oil so I don't think it could be the head gasket. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions what I can do to isolate the problem?

[barmanjay]

Its tricky to get it on right

the new gasket has a sticky back on it,..

#1 clean off the head portion and dry it off

#2 carefully put in the t-stat

#3 peel back the sticky side of the gasket and place over the t-stat onto the head side.

#4 carefully place housing on and tighten.

[Dragonmaster]

Its tricky to get it on right

the new gasket has a sticky back on it,..

#1 clean off the head portion and dry it off

#2 carefully put in the t-stat

#3 peel back the sticky side of the gasket and place over the t-stat onto the head side.

#4 carefully place housing on and tighten.

As noted no RTV reuquired.

[barmanjay]

the gasket is $0.99 at autovalueless