I'm going to install a 180 T-Stat in my 94 1500, 5.9
Superstat or Failsafe ?
Should I drill a weep hole in the Stat ?
RTV and the gasket or just the Gasket ?
If RTV, both sides of the Gasket ?

 

I put standard gasket sealant on both sides of mine and have had no problems. Fwiw

 

when i did my t stat over the weekend i put rtv on both sides of the gasket.

 

I use coolant RTV on both sides of the gasket.

 

I didn't use any on my 5.2......just in case......no problems so far as to leaks

 

I use RTV on every sealing surface where coolant goes, but only just the thinnest unbroken layer I can make using a piece of cardboard standing in as a putty knife. I've got a thin layer on both manifold and water neck, with the gasket sandwiched between them. The way I figure it, if it squishes out when you torque everything down, there's too much.

I'm running the Stant Superstat, opted not to go with the failsafe because I've heard too many stories of premature failure. I like the idea but not the reality -- and I always carry tools, so if the thermostat hangs closed I can just rip the mufker out.

I've no opinion about the bypass hole, can't help ya there.

 

Bypass holes are an old wives' tale.

 

I just used a Mopar Tstat so cant help ya.

Anytime there is a standard paper gasket I just use High Tack (Permatex brand that holds gasket in place). It has worked for me for years and have never had any complaints.

And as for the bypass hole... If an educated, overpayed engineer didn't put one on, my guess is that there is a reason so I'd leave it alone and save the time.

 

I use just enough to hold the gasket in place... like a thin film of glue. After working on the lovely horizontal t-stats on Fords for years, it became kind of an art... I have also used the tac and is some instances the old Indian Head shelac in the brown bottle. That stuff is great for stubborn gaskets.