Thermostat

[brinky]

Just taken my thermostat housing off, the two gaskets seem to have had something very sticky put on them, it was done at a local service centre two years ago. Is this normal ? Just ordered new gaskets, do I need to put something on them ?
Thanks

[Locozodiac]

Thermo gaskets worns, sticks with engine heat. No need to put anything on them when new, heat will seal gaskets, just clean well all metal surfaces & adjust tight thermo housing bolts. When new are not available, if in good shape, that is not broken, dried out, clean surface, place a light coat of gray silicone forming gasket.

Happy Boating