Thermostat Housing - is this normal?

[BubbaFL]

I am installing a new (OEM) lower thermostat housing. The bolts are nice and tight, but I can see a gap between the upper and lower housing.

New thermostat and seal. Without the thermostat and seal in place, the upper housing will sit perfectly flush on the lower housing.

Is this normal, or is something not right?

 

[Elessar65]

I would guess that its not right, but I've never done one before. Start it up and see if coolant starts spewing out, lol.

 

[BubbaFL]

Start it up and see if coolant starts spewing out, lol.

Got her back together, no spewing so far!