the gasket/mating surface was solved when i initially did the radiator/hose R&R. i had to get another gasket and some sealant for that and that sealed right up. its not/cant be the hose, it has to be the water outlet housing part where the hose goes, HAS to be…because everything else is sealed up well
I don’t think (not sure) they manufacture the water outlet housing WITH the bleeder anymore. Even my local dealer says so. They just manufacture ones without the bleeder. Also when I installed the outlet, I never put a “gasket” as you mentioned. >" i had to get another gasket and some sealant " All I put is some gray RTV. I Never had any leaks.
I’d say brother to get an OEM wateroutlet and use ONLY Gray RTV. Don’t put another gasket on the mating surfaces.
And if possible don’t JB weld anything. Thats if you love your DA
#facepalm its not leaking where its mated, its leaking where the hose goes over the water outlet housing. but i may get the housing w/o the bleeder though, everytime i’ve messed w/ this coolant leak and topped it back off, i’ve never, not once, needed to bleeded it. thanks for the info on the outlet housing. but i’ll JB weld, because i wasnt having to worry about paying ‘the man’ to remove and replace, properly that piece in the head, when i know it was some small minor leak. thanks for your concern…