Torque spec water neck bolts ‘95 5.0?

[Daryl]

Anybody know the torque spec for the 2 water neck bolts on ‘95 Cobra 5.0?

Quick Google search says 12-15 ft lbs. Can that be right? Doesn’t seem tight enough.
Thx!

 

[ttocs]

don't they thread into the aluminum intake? Sounds about right to me if so.

 

[94IndyPace]

 

[Daryl]

Thx both. Ok, 12-18 it is. Should I put sealant on both sides?

 

[ttocs]

I do myself.

 

[94IndyPace]

I like a very thin coat over ultra gray on mine

 

[Daryl]

So the gasket I put on earlier this week (which ripped apart when I had to disassemble) had a sticky side. I only put the sealant on the non-sticky side. I’m going to get a Fel-pro gasket tomorrow and try again, with a thin coat on each side and then let it set up for at least 24 hours before topping off the coolant.
Sound like a good plan?

 

[Terrorist 5.0]

I got the sticky side gasket too. Line the bolts up and stick it on. No sealant needed in my case. You could follow the torque spec but it’s not too important. Just make sure it’s reasonably tight.

Don’t strip the intake!

 

[Daryl]

Definitely DO NOT STRIP THE INTAKE!! That much I’m aware of but I always appreciate the input and looking out for me, so thanks very much!

Sidenote: I can’t believe this has turned into such a fuss. Never had this much frustration doing a simple T-stat/water neck before… on ANY vehicle! I’m trusting that perseverance will pay off. (fingers crossed!)

 

[Daryl]

10:20 PST. Thin layer on. Lined up gasket. Letting sit till tomorrow morning.
Should I put a thin layer of goop on the other side of the gasket now and let it set up or put the goop on just before installing, tighten down (alternating) to 12-18 ft lbs, then leave it alone again for another 12-24 hours… THEN top off the coolant and see if it holds??

 

[Terrorist 5.0]

10:20 PST. Thin layer on. Lined up gasket. Letting sit till tomorrow morning.
Should I put a thin layer of goop on the other side of the gasket now and let it set up or put the goop on just before installing, tighten down (alternating) to 12-18 ft lbs, then leave it alone again for another 12-24 hours… THEN top off the coolant and see if it holds??View attachment 46303

I’ve never used anything except the gasket. I take the water neck, put the thermostat in (make sure spring faces inside the intake), then put the sticky side of the gasket on so it holds the thermostat.

Then I put it on, no sealant or nothing. Sealant can’t hurt in your case, but I think it’s more for when the intake has imperfections or is slightly warped, especially the aftermarket water necks. Those suck donkey balls.

As for the “goop”, the instructions on the back would be your best bet. Every one is a little different in how they want to be applied.

 

[Daryl]

Wait. What? Read instructions? LOL

 

[94IndyPace]

Make sure you put the thermostat in before you adhere the gasket. I’m sure you know that. Also not many know but if it’s a Ford thermostat if you put the vent to the top and a slight turn they lock in place.

 

[ttocs]

Wait. What? Read instructions? LOL

I only read half of them before I realized what it was and in my defense I was tricked........

 

[Daryl]

Make sure you put the thermostat in before you adhere the gasket. I’m sure you know that. Also not many know but if it’s a Ford thermostat if you put the vent to the top and a slight turn they lock in place.

I’m using a Mishimoto thermostat and an aftermarket temp gauge/sensor. All is well so far!

 

[Daryl]

Figured the best course of action to let it set up was to go get some bbq and a beer (or 2!). Happy Labor Day!

 

[Richard P]

Daryl, maybe your leak isn't at the thermostat housing but rather at the bypass hose connection to the housing. I struggled all last winter to find a leak in that area and finally found it there. Two 1/4 inch wide spiral clamps from NAPA fixed my leak.
It's hard to see into the area but you find it there by feeling around in the area and mirrors and smallish flashlight.
Good luck.

 

[Daryl]

Are you referring to the short “S” shaped hose that connects the thermostat to the water pump? If so, I actually just considered that this morning and will call my local NAPA to get a replacement.

So YES, everyone, even after my extreme diligence with the Fel-pro gasket and thin layer of goop on each side + waiting 18 hours … it’s still leaking.

Maybe they sent me the wrong thermostat? I’ll compare fitment vs the one it replaced.

 

[ttocs]

are those not supposed to be clamped? I know there is BARELY enough room for mine on there and I am fairly sure one has to be facing a certain direction to have enough space.

 

[Terrorist 5.0]

are those not supposed to be clamped? I know there is BARELY enough room for mine on there and I am fairly sure one has to be facing a certain direction to have enough space.

They are IIRC, both sides, was annoying to have to deal with when I did my thermostat, and one does have to be facing a certain direction. At least that is what I recall.