Is it ok to Install a new thermostat on a 99 Dodge Interpid by using sealant?

Question

My car keeps over heating and the mechanic intalled a new thermostat, but he attached it with sealant. Now my car is still over heating.

I originally ONLY wanted freeon, but mechanic said I needed a new thermostat, fan, coolant. Never had a problem with overheating til he did all this work. Took the car back after it again overheated and cracked the plastic reservior. They replaced reservior, but it still overheated when I used a/c. So, I didn't use a/c until I could get it back to them. I got stuck on the freeway last week (stop-and-go, uphill). I did not use a/c. Towed it to another mechanic and he pryed off the thermostat cuz sealant was used to attach it and new gasket. Sealant got around the rubber of thermostat which he said could have prevented the thermostat from opening, or possibly was a defective thermostat. He installed another themostat and replaced coolant. Still overheated, I took it back to him, and he then burped all air out of lines. Still overheating! Could there be a radiator crack and not leak? And could the sealant have prevented the themostat from opening and have started this chain of events? TY

Answer 1

Sealant would have nothing to do with with your car over heating. Personally, I would prefer to use a gasket over sealant but perhaps he couldn't obtain on to fit or just wanted to save a couple of pennies. Thermostat gaskets are fairly cheap.

This could only result in overheating if the sealant caused a leak and your coolant drooped to the level that it couldn't maintain the proper temperature.

You don't mention if it overheats all the time or just in city trffic. It could be a faulty thermostat but more than likely it's due to other causes. Your radiator may need to be flushed or possibly your water pump is at fault. Do you smell antifreeze?

Likely cause is the radiator needs to be flushed or rodded. We're at the time of year where you don't need the A/C as much, but if your car is prone to overheat, never run the A/C.

Answer 2

Apparently the thermostat was not the problem to begin with.

1) Electric radiator fan?
2) Plugged radiator?
3) Leaking head gasket?

Answer 3

You can use "Gasket Cinch or Anti-seize" (I like to use Anti-seize) Sparingly sealants will Melt and get in the cooling system causing the same problem you just fixed. He put it in wrong or he didn't really know what the problem and was just "Throwing Parts at it" hoping it would get fixed.

Answer 4

you need to be very care full with this car. Because they need to be bleeding good .you got to get all the air from the coolant system,the way i do it is this, let the car running and open the bleeding screw out let all the air come out and closet, drive it around for a while and let it sit until cold and then bleed it again, until no more air.Be care full not to get burn o.k.