What is this part and could it be repaired? (Pictures inside)

[amtex]

What is this part and those build ups on it? Could it be repaired? I have my Ford for about 3 years now, I am a second owner. Didn't have any significant problems so far. The ride is good, I don't feel anything wrong...

 

[tmds3]

That is your water neck(thermostat housing, sorry worded it wrong) and it is leaking, it is also fixable. Fixing to have to do mine. Go to rockauto.com and search your vehicle. The part you need is the lower,

 

[swshawaii]

Definitely the lower thermostat housing. VERY common failure.
(Motorcraft RH-148) Make sure you double check part numbers. GL

bengrosser.com/howto/fordthermostat/

 

[amtex]

Thanks guys! What do you think, would it be ok to replace only

- Thermostat Housing / Water Outlet (lower)
- Thermostat Housing / Water Outlet Gasket and Thermostat Seal (O-ring)?

 

[swshawaii]

You may only need a new lower housing and two seals for the basic repair.
The old ECT sensor may not fit properly because the o-ring is compressed.
I recommend getting a new DY1004 sensor or a replacement o-ring for it.
Only six bolts and the hoses to remove with lot's of upper clearance. Easy.

 

[tmds3]

You may only need a new lower housing and two seals for the basic repair.
The old ECT sensor may not fit properly because the o-ring is compressed.
I recommend getting a new DY1004 sensor or a replacement o-ring for it.
Only six bolts and the hoses to remove with lot's of upper clearance. Easy.

+1 that is what I am doing, replacing the lower, the lower seal, the water neck seal and the o-ring, figure it is just insurance and I will already have it off.

 

[beertracker]

Looking at how the thermostat housing and seal (flat O ring) fit to the engine did you guys use permatex RTV on the seal? I don't see how the seal can be water tight with out RTV.

Looking at the engine again where the thermostat housing mounts I can't tell if there is a circular groove for the seal to fit in or not. I know there is a circular groove on the bottom of the thermostat housing. Any ideas?

bt

My mistake I see the thermostat housing mounts to a flat engine surface (no circular groove). bt

 

[swshawaii]

NO sealant, just proper torque. Specs in link above.