Chrysler 318 thermostat housing lip seal

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BlueSkye
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Joined: Sun Jul 20, 2014 9:38 am

Chrysler 318 thermostat housing lip seal

Post by BlueSkye »

This is a long shot.

The raw water cooling version of the '68 to "70something has a thermostat I've seen here referred to as the "barrel style". The so-called barrel rides on a lip seal as it opens and closes. I have one that begs for replacement. I haven't removed it yet because I can't find out what to replace it with and a leaking seal here is probably better than a missing seal.

Anyone have any experience with this?

Skye
1971 32ft Express 2x318
Seneca Lake, Erie Canal, Lake Ontario, Rideau
javalin390
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Re: Chrysler 318 thermostat housing lip seal

Post by javalin390 »

The raw water T-stat is specific, as it opens at 140* F, unlike a car at 180-195*F. DO NOT replace it with an automotive version ! Chrysler part number is 3527765, if you google it, you will find many vendors that carry it. Not sure if it crosses into a NAPA number or a Stant. The stat's housing gasket is however all the same. Hope this helps.
Jim Elias
1974 37' SedanFlybridge
Twin 360 Chryslers.
Marblehead, Ohio
BlueSkye
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Joined: Sun Jul 20, 2014 9:38 am

Re: Chrysler 318 thermostat housing lip seal

Post by BlueSkye »

Thanks Jim,

I have the proper thermostat. The housing has a lip seal in it that the chrome "barrel" of the thermostat slides in so that opening the thermostat turns the housing into a valve. This thing is a serious piece of engineering. It will seal so tight that I expect I need to remove it when I winterize. Anyway, it's the lip seal I need to source. The seal to the engine is a Felpro gasket available at NAPA for about $2.

Image
1971 32ft Express 2x318
Seneca Lake, Erie Canal, Lake Ontario, Rideau
BlueSkye
Aluminum Star
Posts: 102
Joined: Sun Jul 20, 2014 9:38 am

Re: Chrysler 318 thermostat housing lip seal

Post by BlueSkye »

I talked to the thermostat manufacturer. It a Caltherm CT2208-38. They recognize the part number but that's as far as it goes. I found the 1968 thru '74 parts manual for the LM318 and it does not show the lip seal that is inside the housing as a part, only the housing. I figure this is a dead end. Something could be made to work I assume by pulling the seal and reverse engineering it by the dimensions. However, the OEM housings are still on the shelf at various places for around $100 and have the seal installed. If the elastomeric material isn't past it's best by date it should be fine for another 50 years.
1971 32ft Express 2x318
Seneca Lake, Erie Canal, Lake Ontario, Rideau
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