I feel I should know this but I don't and flame away if necessary.

I got the timing belt kit from FCPGroton.com which comes with a thermostat, o-ring, and water pump with its gasket among other things.

My question is do I need to buy a thermostat HOUSING gasket when I R&R the t-stat?

 

After google-ing images it looks like the answer is no. Just use the o-ring supplied with the thermostat, right? Please, if I'm wrong let me know.

But from the images it looks like the housing is hollow so the the coolant actually runs "inside" the housing piece rather than under it. The o-ring at the t-stat seals the piece on that end and the hose on the other. Right???

 

When i changed my t stat i only remeber there being a o ring

 

The O ring is the gasket for the stat manifold. Had to be one Dana, or you'd have one big leak.

 

That's what I was hoping for...

 

I was wondering: can you use two o rings(one in the back of the thermostat, one in the front of the thermostat to make the seal on the thermostat housing more secure? please advise; my mechanic is considering this option to resolve a leaking issue.

 

I would not. Now you're changing the dimensions of everything and I'm not sure what happens when you crank that coolant manifold down. How far do you crank it and if you go all the way, .....I dunno. I wouldn't. If you've got persistent leaking problems, look at that beveled surface that squeezes the gasket. Are there nicks in it or is it nice and smooth?