Weep from thermostat housing studs

[936cbpminor]

Thought I had found the problem to the weep from the thermostat housing as the head had a slight chip where the thermostat sits in the recess. This has been fixed. Armed with a new gasket (not a cork one but a thicker more pliant type) I reassembled and filled with water/antifreeze mix. With the engine barely to temperature, I get a constant weep up the studs. I changed the split washers to plain and it has abated on one stud but one continues to weep.
There is no cracks or anything. I would say the clearance holes in the thermostat housing seem overly large but it is a new one.
I may try Hermetite (or similar) but has anyone any other ideas, or maybe why. Irritating, or what !:x

[bmcecosse]

If the housing/ studs are tight it will 'weld' to the studs - be glad it's loose. Did you seal the studs into the head with a spot of Loctite? That is the answer... And put a smear of grease on the studs before fitting the housing - to stop the 'welding' in future.

[936cbpminor]

Hi bmcecosse. I will be applying Loctite to the studs (probably a hydraulic type 542 or similar) next week. I do notice on the thermostat 'repair kit' you can get from ESM they show plain washers under the head of the nut rather than spring washers. As a temporary measure I have added these with a smear of Hawk White (oh, and grease on the stud to prevent welding) this has seemed to work at the moment but I will be taking your advice. Many thanks for you help.