How do you keep the thermostat in place while installing the housing?

[Viking Jeeper]

I have been avoiding posting this question but here I am. I am attempting to install the thermostat housing after a system flush. The block has a recessed area for the thermostat to sit. Each time (and its been several) I install the housing the thermostat slips slightly out of the recessed area and prevents a seal between the housing and the block. These are the days that I am reminded of why I'm not an auto mechanic.

 

[Zorba]

Glop it in place with a little dab of Permatex?

 

[hear]

I had the same problem, although I thought it was the t-stat housing that had the recessed lip for the t-stat. I set it in the lip and then left the housing angled back as I was putting it into place, and at the last second tipped it forward and prayed it stayed seated. First time I didn't know it was something to pay attention to and found out the hard way. 2nd attempt had it fall out of place a couple times before I got it seated correctly. Engine makers who put the t-stat on TOP of the block are my heroes.

 

[Viking Jeeper]

With lots of cussing I finally got it in there. I had taken the radiator hoses off the housing so it was easier to maneuver but then when I tried installing the hose on the housing the hose clamp hit the valve cover. This is why I am not an auto mechanic.

 

[Jeepr89]

Next time try using a dab of glue to hold it in place. Yellow 3m weatherstrip adhesive works well.

 

[Dunkut88TJ]

I had more trouble with the thermostat than the water-pump...also not a mechanic

 

[MutantNinjaTJ]

I sometimes use a sticky axel grease smear to hold something in place where I don't want to adhere it to what ever I'm assembling, works great for gaskets and such.

 

[mrblaine]

I sometimes use a sticky axel grease smear to hold something in place where I don't want to adhere it to what ever I'm assembling, works great for gaskets and such.

Yep, just a few dabs of grease to hold it in place of a small dab or two of RTV.