Stripped the threads on thremostate housing

**qwik219d9** · 11-07-2014, 05:07 AM

Stripped the threads on thremostate housing

I think I accidentally tightened to hard and Stripped the threads on thremostate housing
On the 99 chevy Astro van.

There’s not much room around the housing to tap a bigger hole I could barely get a wrench on the stud.

I only stripped one of the two bolts and have let the engine run for ten minutes and drove around the block a few times and it hasn’t leaked yet.

If I don’t plan on swapping this thremostate (until I completely remove engine) can I smear JB expoxy on the studs thread snug the stud and expect it to never leak?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

**qwik219d9** · 11-11-2014, 06:34 AM

anyone

**sjgreen6** · 11-11-2014, 01:23 PM

Rather than JB Weld you might want to try something made specifically for your problem. Google Loctite Form-A-Thread repair kit.

**qwik219d9** · 11-13-2014, 05:53 PM

Excellent suggestion I didn't know this product even existed

I looked a couple Y-tube vids. On the Loctite Form-A-Thread repair kit.

The permatext vid stated this procedure must be done in room temputure which I assume is around 75 degrees. Mite to cold right now.

I think I will remove the stud and take a look maybe I just stripped the stud ?and could get by w/ replacing the stud.

I am able to particalley tigthen this bolt like if I tighten just to the stripe then continue to tighten it will get snug and it hasn’t leaked then again I haven’t driven a long trip.however if I tighten to much it reachs the stripped section and becomes loose.

Maybe I could space the stud up a tad w/ washers to keep threads on the unsripped section?
Thanks

**bigrondownhiller** · 11-17-2014, 02:33 PM

Is it a bolt or a stud that holds it down?

**qwik219d9** · 11-22-2014, 04:54 AM

It’s a stud

it's like a bolt w/ the nut head attached to the middle of the threads.

It was made this way for 2 reasons the first is to be able to hold on to the stud while rethreading remember there’s little to no room in this engine area.

Second there is a ground wire attached to the top of stud.
Thanks

**bigrondownhiller** · 11-22-2014, 05:30 AM

You should be able to remove the stud and replace it. Just make sure to spray some penetrating oil before you try. If you stripped the stud you should be able to see the messed up threads when you pull off the thermostat housing. If it isn't leaking now you should be good to go until the next time you replace the thermostat, in which case I would leave it until then.