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Since this is bothering me too much, I started looking at it again, wiped the whole area as much as I can and this time I kept the engine idling while I kept monitoring the area for leaks. I started noticing a very little seepage from the bottom screw of the thermostat cap (this is with the new o-ring installed) and I didnt see any seepage from the hose connections to the housing, but I did notice leakage at the out flow (short) hose compression fittings. You can see it in this picture. I am sure over time this must be leaking a lot at higher rpms when the oil pressure is higher. Will order a new short hose (17227560980) and replace it for now and continue monitoring it. But I am out of ideas on the thermostat cap, should I spend ~$45 to get one of those aftermarket thermostat cap (FTP cover) or spend $120 to get a new cooler housing(11427573212)?
When mine was leaking I bought the whole assembly. Looks like you also need to replace the hose. I would do it it pairs. I'm sure the gaskets were not thick enough or torque is not correct when you tightened it back up. Let us know what you decide.
Replaced the short (return) hose and went for errands drive and the weather is quite hot over here. Came home and checked for the leak and there is no leak anywhere at this location. BUT, one thing that is still bothering me is a very very little seepage at the thermostat cover. Replaced that O-ring as well with a thicker one, but looks like hot oil is always finding its way out. This is fine for now as I can wipe it off up after few drives. Probably have to go with one of those aftermarket covers that come with a new gasket.
Your reply reminds me of when I was having issues with my e36 thermostat cover leaking. I tried everything under to sun, new cover, gaskets etc etc. I finally gave up and took it to my indy mechanic. He fixed it. I asked what was the problem? He said I didn't have the housing clean enough. All he did was clean it. Hmm. It looked super clean to me, but I since learned from other people that it needs to be pristine clean. One guy said to scrape my finger nail on it, and if I feel anything, its not clean enough.
Your reply reminds me of when I was having issues with my e36 thermostat cover leaking. I tried everything under to sun, new cover, gaskets etc etc. I finally gave up and took it to my indy mechanic. He fixed it. I asked what was the problem? He said I didn't have the housing clean enough. All he did was clean it. Hmm. It looked super clean to me, but I since learned from other people that it needs to be pristine clean. One guy said to scrape my finger nail on it, and if I feel anything, its not clean enough.
Good point, thanks, but I cleaned it as much as I can every time I took it out to replace the oring. Looks like have to do it again. What gasket or o-ring did you end up using?
Thanks will check it out again, upon my initial search everywhere, couldn't find one with a gasket
Mine wasn't the gasket. The cover came with two. My indy mechanic used the other gasket no problem. I had even used high temp silicone but to no avail.