Question about thermostat housing studs

[GreenRiverBoy]

So after draining/flushing my radiator today, went to remove the thermostat housing to replace a sticking thermostat. When I attempted to remove the nuts, one of the studs came out and is frozen to the nut. I would like to replace both the studs and nuts or should I replace just the one that came out of the housing and not take a chance on damaging the housing threads removing the other that is still there. Make sense? Do you guys know the size of of the studs used and where I would find one (auto parts store)?

Also, when installing the studs into the housing, would blue loctite be ok to use to keep them from coming out next time?
3942

[TheMAN]

they look like M8x1.25 threads
I would not buy hardware at the parts store if I can avoid it... they're expensive, not the right lengths/sizes and not as good quality

You will need a stud installer tool to properly install the new stud... you can try to use the double nut method, but it doesn't work good sometimes

the other stud looks fine to me... just some minor zinc plating corrosion... leave it alone or wire brush it off

[bernard 95,96]

both nuts came off the studs nicely in my 95. one nut was frozen to the stud in my 96 just like yours. I just screwed the stud back in using the frozen nut, making sure not to overtighten (aluminum?) It doesn't leak, I wouldn't worry about the next time assuming you use an oem thermostat. The first one lasted 20 years!

[GreenRiverBoy]

Just an update. I was able to remove the nut from the stud with a little propane heat. Cleaned up the threads and reinstalled the stud using two washer together to tighten with a little blue thread locker. Torqued everything to toyota specs and refilled coolant with no leakage!:lol:

I also used a new Toyota thermostat that I had on hand from my 91 that was sold years ago. The toyota brand is a little more expensive but for certain things like thermostats, ignition components, etc, I don't mind spending the extra dough.

Thx for the input from everyone!
tim

[TheMAN]

bad idea using loctite on the stud... it will never come out now, if you ever have problems with it

just getting the stud nice and tight is good enough!