Thanks Dave,
I was just up at the shop where he is being worked on. Took off the old water pump and it's binding so much I'm surprised it had not totally failed. Then took off the fitting holding the thermostat. The PO or 'builder'..had put it on with proper bolts, etc but sealed it with pieces of gasket but mostly silicone caulk which had partially filled the water passage way... I'm totally astounded at the crap this guy did. What a complete bonehead !
