To the best of my knowledge, the ONLY things you ever need to put a sealant on = are those specifically stated in bentley.
 
My understanding is that when properly assembled, new o-rings and gaskets = should properly seal without any "help".
 
Looking for RTV or other sealants is a good way to determine if = someone knew what they were doing when they rebuilt or fixed an engine.
 
Hope this helps,

Bradley Flubacher
State College, PA
'82 VW = diesel westy
'84 GL wasserboxer

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing = List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf Of All of Us
Sent: Saturday, August 18, 2001 10:26 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Any recommended sealant = for o-rings?

Volks:
 
Yesterday I started replacing my = thermostat and performing a drain, flush and refill on the coolant system on Miss = Blue, my '87 GL. In removing the top to the thermostst housing (TH), 2 of the = bolts sheared off. I had to remove the lower part of the TH from the engine = block in order to drill out the sheared bolts. There is a rubber o-ring gasket = between the TH and the engine block that I will replace when I reinstall it. = Should I put any sort of sealant on this o-ring when I reinstall the TH? Any suggestions would be appreciated. TIA.
 
Dan Weber
Miss Blue - '87 GL Weekender.