Originally Posted by bill buttermore

Hey Ben,

I just finished helping Bob Dillis install new LIM gaskets, sleeved upper, and an rd EGR pipe in his '97 L36.

When we filled with coolant, we started at the thermostat housing until the coolant reached the lip of the thermostat seal. We were going to install the thermostat at that time, since the engine was apparently full, but decided to leave it open while we filled the radiator. As we filled at the radiator, we heard and saw many "plup plup" air bubbles disturbing the surface of the coolant in the intake manifold. We thought the coolant would overflow, but it just kept puking air for more than a gallon of fill. Apparently when you fill at the rad, a lot of air is pushed up through the water pump and lower hose. Finally, the level did start to rise in the manifold as the coolant in the rad got high enough. We then installed the drilled stat positioning one of the two 3/32" holes at the 12 O'Clock position. We filled to the overflow hole in the rad neck maybe five or six times, allowing several minutes each time for the top hose to fill until the level in the rad remained steady. Overflow tank was filled to about an inch over "full hot."

We then fired it up and took it for a test drive. When we returned, the stat had opened and we opened and closed the bleeder three times. No air, just coolant each tiime. Closed it up and shut if off.

Next morning, the overflow tank was almost empty, maybe a little more than an inch of coolant in the bottom.

I'm not saying you didn't have a coolant leak. You were there, not me. But I just wanted to describe how careful we were to eliminate air and STILL lost nearly a whole bottle overnight due to displacement. These engines can trap a LOT of air! I can't imagine if the stat had no bleed holes and were installed, and a fellow tried to fill at the rad! The thing would have air in it forever.

Anyway, I'm really glad you got yours sealed up! I'm especially glad the new aluminum gaskets are apparently holding. I was really disappointed when I thought they were going to be a problem.

Also, you might be pleased to know, your old Dorman rd pipe is now riding around in style in Bob'* 40th Anniversary SLE!

Originally Posted by bonnie94ssei

Even with a 180 t-stat you will still hit 210* sitting in traffic, just so you know

Originally Posted by BonnevillesSince62

Definitely!

A thermostat in a cooling system regulates minimum engine temperature, NOT maximum temperature. Your running temp is determined by the state of your cooling system (radiator, cap, coolant, fans).