Tech IQ: Why OE Cooling System Plastic Parts Fail

Tech IQ: Why OE Cooling System Plastic Parts Fail

It's critical that the fiber gasket can move. This video is sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.

CC:

Chances are, if you’re replacing one of these on a late model engine, you’re going to be dealing with one of these. It’s made of plastic. And the sealing technology behind it that keeps it sealed to the block or even the head, well, it requires a different type of sealing.

Back in the day, if you’re only dealing with an aluminum housing for a thermostat, well, you could get away with a fiber gasket and maybe goop some steel around it to make sure that it seals. But with these, the technology is different because you’re dealing with two different kinds of materials.

You’ve got the plastic sealing either to an iron block, aluminum head, or other materials. So it’s critical that that gasket can move. The technology you may be dealing with, well, it could be a carrier style gasket, or it could be an O-ring style gasket.

This goes in a groove on the housing. And it’s critical for the health of the component that the housing, it’s not damaged. There’s no nicks, grooves, cracks at all on the groove that holds the O-ring. And it’s also critical that you do not use any sealants to help cure the joint, to make sure that it stays in place. Because this actually has to move back and forth due to the expansion and contraction rates of the two different materials, plastic and maybe aluminum.

Also, look up the manufacturer’s recommendations. I guarantee you, they’re going to say, “Make sure all surfaces are extremely clean.” You may even want to clean this with brake cleaner. Also, there should be no oil or other sealants on the O-ring itself or in the groove of the gasket. If you must, you can dunk this in coolant, and then put it inside the housing. This way, it’s going to be able to move freely inside of the groove and seal the thermostat to the housing and to the block and last a very long time.

This video is sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.

You May Also Like

Not All Coolants Are Equal – Or Appropriate

Engines have diverse cooling needs. This video is part of the Group Training Academy.

It may be hard to believe, but antifreeze has been around long before the automobile. In the mid-19th century, it was used in dynamite.  Early engine designers tried other means of cooling before antifreeze gained a foothold.  It came to prominence during World War I when it was used in tanks and vehicles to prevent them from freezing in the battlefield.

Tech IQ: Getting Rid of Code P0315 (VIDEO)

The code might set again when the engine is cranked. This video is sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.

Tech IQ: Pothole Wheel Bearing Noise (VIDEO)

When impact occurs the damage eventually causes turbulence. This video is sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.

Wheel Bearing Tips And Tricks (VIDEO)

Here are some tips to follow when replacing a wheel bearing. This video is sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.

Cylinder Deactivation And Active Fuel Management (VIDEO)

Deactivating a cylinder requires specific technology. This video is sponsored by Auto Value & Bumper To Bumper.

Other Posts

Tool Time Podcast: SATA USA

Learn about spray gun technology in this episode from TechShop.

Optimize Tesla Performance With E-Fluids

Learn the differences between ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ e-axles. This video is sponsored by CRP Automotive.

Understanding Fuel Trims

The fuel trims are what govern what’s going on inside the engine. This video is sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.

How Important is Regenerative Braking For EVs?

Regenerative braking helps to increase the range of an EV by up to 20%.