Water/Coolant leak

[JimR]

I have noticed recently that my 8v 91 has a coolant leak from around the bottom radiator hose area, on closer inspection I found its leaking from the thermostat housing, so i took this off and re-fitted but its still leaking. Is there supposed to be a gasket for the the thermostat housing as mine doesn't have one? Also if there isn't supposed to be one, willi do any damage by making one up with some gasket paper and fitting it.
Next thing is, how on earth are you meant to hold the thermostat in position with the little sealing ring and do the bolts up?

TIA
James

[moonsta]

 it doesn't have a gasket but just the rubber ring.............the only thing that will seal it is rtv black silicone sealer...........smear a bit on each side of the seal and then fit it.i did my last one when i changed the pump so had it the right way round (upside down).it is a pain and you won't know if it leaks until you re-fill it,an as you can guess all areas have to be bone dry before you can put the sealent on............stupid design!!    good luck

[Ktuludays]

it doesn't have a gasket but just the rubber ring............

that'll be a rubber gasket then!

they can be a pain to re-seal, just make sure you get a new seal from vw. a new housing wouldn't hurt either.
i take it your car is non PAS.
like moonsta said they can be a pain to seal correctly and the only way to check is to refit, refill and run engine till hot.

crap design but even worse with PAS.

[Mr Blue]

mk2's and coolant leaks


fit a new thermostat while your at it. I used some strong gasket sealer

[JimR]

Cheers for the advice guys, its a non PAS your right. I'll get a new housing i think and bolts and seal it properly. No point doing half a job as someone once said.