Classic/Antique Car Repair: themrostat, quality aluminum alloy, buick skylark

Question
Hi brad,I own 72 Buick skylark 455.I'm changing new thermostat,Do i need to put gasket sealer on gasket or anything on bolts when installing.Thanks...Corey

Answer
You should replace the gasket and nothing goes on the bolts. Clean the threads as they trend to gunk up and make it difficult to tighten ad get a good seal. GM used a lousy quality aluminum alloy thermostat housing and if the thermostat is not absolutely seated correctly in the groove the housing will break when you tighten it. I usually tighten the bolts to about 100 inch pounds with a torque wrench.
Brad