what do you recommend, got a leaking thermostat housing?? dont think my current sealant is too good?
tsb

Any sealant should do really, but make sure both the faces are clean, and use the paper gasket, not the cork one.
Cork ones tend to squeeze out...

As for sealants- I use either Permatex/Loctite #3 aviation cement, or Loctite 315 master gasket.

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

I use Dow Corning's 'Instant Gasket'. I used to work for a company that distributed their products in Australia. I chose to use the product because I believe its the best available. In my opinion. The product has a use by date, too. As the Doc says both surfaces must be clean. I use wax and grease remover or thinners then dry both off with a clean rag. You can get Dow Corning Instant Gasket from many Industrial Supply Companies around the country or Repco.
Please note I do not have any connection with Dow Corning or any of its distributors. My opinion is based on product training and experience of other products.

_________________
TOO MANY MINIS AND NOT ENOUGH TIME

When you have a thermostat housing which really avoids being sealed (despite a new gasket and all) check the thermostat sealing face on the head near the front thermostat stud.

There's narrow gap between the water jacket and the stud. This metal in this area gets a little bit eroded over time on some heads and allows water to jump the gap between the jacket and the stud. If it has, pay special attention to the gasket in this area to try and seal it up properly.

_________________
SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

I find Loctite 315 master gasket works best in this case. It is an anaerobic sealant so it sets, where the old #3 can stay fluid and leak for a while.

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

stag

_________________
A good friend will come and bail you out of jail...but a true friend will be sitting next to you saying "Damn...that was fun!"

Surely this is why you'd use #4; a hardening sealant, which is designed for gaskets?

#4 is harder to get these days- whereas everybody sells #3. I keep #3 here for some jobs (eg rack shim sealing) but generally use 315 for engine & gearbox building now. It is designed for metal to metal sealing but works fine with gaskets too. No leaky either way.

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Like dodge said, Stag is a hardening sealant I suppose like Permatex No. 4. Don't use it for anything near the oil however. It breaks off in stiff chunks and can flow into and block galleries.

_________________
SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.