Thermostat Housing Leak?

just2dune · 10-03-2008, 10:09 PM

Took 02 Exlpr XLT 4.0 to dealer for a leak. Dealer says has warped thermostat housing, of course not covered under extended warranty. Going to take care of myself. Is it a basic thermostat and housing replacement or are there any tricks that I need to be aware of to make the job easier? Can't believe dealer quoted over $500 to replace..

Thanks!

XtremeRanger · 10-03-2008, 10:29 PM

My GF's just started leaking today. Its a 10 minuites thing to replace yourself if you have some tools....

I just replaced my Moms on her 98 and had to remove the upper intake manifold. Her part was $230. For the 02 models the intake was redsesigned and made it EASY to take off....I literally took my GFs of in 5 minutes. Not sure of the price yet, its leaking at the seam so Im going to try some plastic weld or somthing first before I go looking for a new one.

My Moms was cracked so it couldnt be fixed at all....

For $230 tho, it came with new temp sensors and the thermostat as well.....Decently price for everything. I think wy GF's will be cheaper...it has One less sensor it it....

$500 is WAY too much!.....Bend over....

It cant be "warped" the dang thing is PLASTIC!

fixxxer · 10-03-2008, 10:40 PM

Many types of thermo-plastics CAN warp, so can ABS plastic, especially if there is uneven tension on the plastic mounts.

*not8taxi* · 10-04-2008, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by just2dune

Took 02 Exlpr XLT 4.0 to dealer for a leak. Dealer says has warped thermostat housing, of course not covered under extended warranty. Going to take care of myself. Is it a basic thermostat and housing replacement or are there any tricks that I need to be aware of to make the job easier? Can't believe dealer quoted over $500 to replace..

Thanks!

it should be the lower thermostat housing...i actually replaced this on my 02 ex....you would have to drain the antifreeze from the car to replace the housing...i went ahead and got a new thermostat and replaced that as well...just make sure u get the housing, the gasket for the bottom of the housing and a thermostat...if your handy you shouldnt have a problem...here a link to the other thread http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...38#post2031438

mdawson2121 · 07-15-2012, 01:38 PM

I have an 04 explorer 4.0 L flex fuel. I just replaced my housing, o-ring, gasket, coolant temp sensor and thermostat for less than $80.00. it took me about 20 minutes to take the old one out and put the new one in.

Let me know if you need help, I got most of my parts from Advance Auto Parts with the exception of the housing, housing had to be purchased from dealer for $53.00

All you need is pair of adjustable pliers and set of metric ratchet sets

10-03-2008, 10:09 PM	#1
just2dune Wannabe Elite Explorer mesa,az. 2003 explorer xlt Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Thermostat Housing Leak? Took 02 Exlpr XLT 4.0 to dealer for a leak. Dealer says has warped thermostat housing, of course not covered under extended warranty. Going to take care of myself. Is it a basic thermostat and housing replacement or are there any tricks that I need to be aware of to make the job easier? Can't believe dealer quoted over $500 to replace.. Thanks!

10-03-2008, 10:29 PM	#2
XtremeRanger Wannabe Elite Explorer Columbus, Ga '95 Ranger XLT Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 230 Vehicle Specs	My GF's just started leaking today. Its a 10 minuites thing to replace yourself if you have some tools.... I just replaced my Moms on her 98 and had to remove the upper intake manifold. Her part was $230. For the 02 models the intake was redsesigned and made it EASY to take off....I literally took my GFs of in 5 minutes. Not sure of the price yet, its leaking at the seam so Im going to try some plastic weld or somthing first before I go looking for a new one. My Moms was cracked so it couldnt be fixed at all.... For $230 tho, it came with new temp sensors and the thermostat as well.....Decently price for everything. I think wy GF's will be cheaper...it has One less sensor it it.... $500 is WAY too much!.....Bend over.... It cant be "warped" the dang thing is PLASTIC! __________________ 1995 Ford Ranger - Not Stock 2002 Explorer XLT 2wd 4.0 Black everything but a sunroof., Manik Grill Guard, Mounty Cluster, Tint, Yakima MegaWarrior Basket, 6K HID's 2005 Saturn VUE Redline AWD 2006 Saturn ION Redline - in the rebuild process, shooting for 300HP

10-03-2008, 10:40 PM	#3
fixxxer Wannabe Elite Explorer Aurora, Co. 93 XLT 4X4 Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,462 Vehicle Specs	Many types of thermo-plastics CAN warp, so can ABS plastic, especially if there is uneven tension on the plastic mounts. __________________ -Larry 93 XLT 4x4 90 Celica GTS 97 Camry Ford Explorer and Ranger Owner's Guides and more...

07-15-2012, 01:38 PM	#5
mdawson2121 Wannabe Elite Explorer Columbus, Ohio 2004 Ford Explorer V6 4X4 Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 6 Vehicle Specs	I have an 04 explorer 4.0 L flex fuel. I just replaced my housing, o-ring, gasket, coolant temp sensor and thermostat for less than $80.00. it took me about 20 minutes to take the old one out and put the new one in. Let me know if you need help, I got most of my parts from Advance Auto Parts with the exception of the housing, housing had to be purchased from dealer for $53.00 All you need is pair of adjustable pliers and set of metric ratchet sets