Thermostat Gasket - Car Part Stores SUCK!!

[Jmana]

I did a coolant change on my 85 300SD yesterday, and so I went to both Autozone and Advance to pick up the thermostat, which Advance had, but neither place had the gasket, and couldn't even order it! (I'm am so fed up with Autozone and Advance). So I went to Carquest, and yes they had the gasket. I get everything home, drain the coolant, flush everything, and pull the thermostat. Well, the "gasket" Carquest gave me was nothing more than an O ring, but what goes in this car wraps around the thermostat. I call Carquest, and no, this is the only gasket they have listed for this car Mercedes closed 30 minutes ago. So I put the old gasket back on, but am worried because it was falling apart, but what choice do I have until I can get the proper one? So now once I do get the proper one, I'll have to redrain the system, which really makes me mad after spending $20 on the coolant (bought the Prestone 150k mile stuff). Lesson of the day: Go to Mercedes first from now on.