I bought a 180 thermostat and a new gasket for the housing. Looking at the Chiltion'* book says there'* two gaskets, an upper and a lower. If I"m pulling the housing I don't want any leaks. Should I be replacing both gaskets?

Two gaskets....YES

There is a rubber gasket that the thermostat sits inside of....and there'* also paper for the t stat housing.

You'll have dribble if you don't do both. Good call and research.

Thanks Bill, off to the parts store I go.....

Not that I recommend it, but you can run without the rubber t-stat gasket. I didn't know there was one when I did my then girlfriend'* 93 SE. It never had any overheating problems or leakage.

easy install and yea there are 2 gaskets and i learned first hand that you will dribble if you dont replace both!!

RTV I used that with the old one... I didnt feel like puting things back together. Its been 1 1/2 years with no problems.

Do you put the seals in dry or do you RTV them? I'm buying the other gasket today.

I don't know if this is what you are supposed to do...

But I put the o-ring in dry, I figured the coolant would take care of making that one moist and supple.

I don't know what RTV is....

But the paper housing gasket, I put a very thin layer of silicone...and have had no leaks yet.

RTV is silicone sealant (gasket sealer). Nice 94!

Both go in dry.

RTV is a gasket making material... no need on a nice easy access spot like a t stat. Plus it'* eaiser to clean up later if you ever want or need to change again.