i just want to make sure i read this right.
when installing a t stat into a 289
it goes t stat spring side into intake hole
then the gasket
then the waterneck

 

no i think the spring goes in the water neck side.

 

the housing has a little indent in it where the thermo fits in. you need to put the thermostat on the housing where the indent is and then put the gasket over it. then once the gasket it sealed the thermostat will be attached to the housing, then its ready to go in the intake hole.

 

put the thermostat into the water neck, apply silicone bead, apply gasket, apply another bead on other side of gasket, bolt on.

 

i just keep reading different procedures.

i know that the spring goes into the engine but i wasnt sure about the gasket.

i must not have got it lined up right right because i installed it intake>gasket>thermo>waterneck and it leaked like crazy.

guess i will try again, i didnt use any sealant so lets try that this time

 

it leaked because the gasket needs to be holding the thermo onto the housing, its makes a little sandwich with the thermo in the middle.

 

Sounds like you got it right, it just slipped. They can be a pain sometimes. Just make sure cone points to rad.