2000 explorer lower thermostat housing

[Wingnut1]

Trying to replace the lower thermostat housing on my 2000 ford explorer. Have everything done except for a wire that is tight over the top of the housing going down the front of the engine. Any advice on where the wire goes and how to disconnect so I can get the housing replaced?? I am getting desperate and do not want to remove the alternator et all.

 

[albi1cnobi1]

When I replaced mine if I remember correctly that wire goes to the alternator. It actually makes the housing install easier if you remove the alt. It literally takes 3-5 minutes, if that to remove the alt. Release the belt, remove and cover or tape the battery wire, and remove the other plug. Take out the 3 bolts and it's out. The lower housing is so much easier to install with the alt out.

 

[Wingnut1]

When I replaced mine if I remember correctly that wire goes to the alternator. It actually makes the housing install easier if you remove the alt. It literally takes 3-5 minutes, if that to remove the alt. Release the belt, remove and cover or tape the battery wire, and remove the other plug. Take out the 3 bolts and it's out. The lower housing is so much easier to install with the alt out.

 

[Wingnut1]

Thanks for the note on the alternator. It is not that wire. I have removed that, this wire runs down the front of the engine and I cannot see where it is attached. I was contemplating removing the alt and will prob do so tonight. Would be done by now if not for this unknown wire..

 

[gonenuke]

Might be the knock sensor wire. Mine was going over the thermostat housing when I first changed the housing.

 

[Wingnut1]

Might be the knock sensor wire. Mine was going over the thermostat housing when I first changed the housing.

Mine is so tight i do not think i can get the housing off. How did you get the housing off without breaking the wire? the end under the manifold goes into a wiring bundle so not sure it is the knock sensor. The end i have to disconnect has to be in front of the engine somewhere behind the bracket for the alternator.

Any help would be appricated

 

[swshawaii]

Four engines listed, which one? If 4.0L SOHC, remove the 10mm bolt holding it.
Or are you speaking of the ECT sensor and gauge sender wires under the intake?

http://bengrosser.com/howto/fordthermostat/remove-thermostat-disconnect-sensors.php#step4

 

[gonenuke]

If I remember correctly I really had to work it to the side, took a bit of doing and yes it was stretched across the housing very tight. Does yours have what looks like a wire loom cover on it? When I had my intake off at a latter time, I noticed that the wire goes under the fuel rail.

 

[Wingnut1]

Four engines listed, which one? If 4.0L SOHC, remove the 10mm bolt holding it.
Or are you speaking of the ECT sensor and gauge sender wires under the intake?

http://bengrosser.com/howto/fordthermostat/remove-thermostat-disconnect-sensors.php#step4

Sorry it is a 4.0L SOHC Ford Explorer. As best as i can see the wire starts under the intake manifold and travels over the lower thermostat housing and goes behind the large bracket that holds the alternator and tensioner. Had one guy here say it may be for the crankshaft sensor. Which makes sense only because it is in the area that the wire is going down. Just cannot see anything without taking all of that crap apart. There is no bolt or connector that i can see to disconnect or loosen so that is my dilemma

 

[swshawaii]

Removing the throttle body may give you more "wiggle" space.
Good time for a good thorough cleaning. Do not over tighten.

 

[Wingnut1]

Removing the throttle body may give you more "wiggle" space.
Good time for a good thorough cleaning. Do not over tighten.

I agree about the throttle body. Actually the first thing that came off. If i cannot get it tonight what do you think about me cutting the wires to extend them enough? is that just a bad idea??

Thanks for all of your time on this.

 

[swshawaii]

Cutting the knock sensor wire harness is a VERY bad idea that would only cause more problems and work.
The upper housing has been removed thousands of times without butchering. Take some pics if you can.

 

[albi1cnobi1]

I agree. Bad idea. Get some pics if you can. I replaced mine no problem, same motor in my 99. Maybe we can a better idea of what you're looking at.

 

[Wingnut1]

I agree. Bad idea. Get some pics if you can. I replaced mine no problem, same motor in my 99. Maybe we can a better idea of what you're looking at.

See if you can see the images i uploaded. one you can see the wire over the housing the second is the wire that i am currently trying to loosen that is just above the lower intake on the water pump. Very difficult to get to and trying to get the right socket on the nut at this time. Thanks for the advise on cutting the wire. Not what i want either but seriously running out of options. The wire above the intake of the water pump is Crankshaft sensor for sure.

Anyway a great way to spend Tuesday night

https://picasaweb.google.com/105408754744664317015/DropBox?authkey=Gv1sRgCISpmvvCyPjU7QE#

 

[swshawaii]

Removing the bypass hose should give you enough movement to tilt and lift the housing out.
I've seen that wire tighter than yours. BTW, replace that hose now or you will regret it later.

 

[swshawaii]

Why is your lower housing still bolted down with three 10mm bolts? (Second pic)

 

[Wingnut1]

Why is your lower housing still bolted down with three 10mm bolts? (Second pic)

Did not want to remove those until I was ready to take it off the engine. Been working on getting everything disconnected

 

[swshawaii]

Whats left to disconnect except the hoses? You need a 1/4" drive universal and short extension for the rear bolt.

 

[ReT]

nobody in the mighty explorer forum knows?

I took off the temp.sensor closest to the wire and it tilted up and rotated out from under the wire. Don't unscrew the other temp.sensor;, it will just jam halfway stripping out and unglue the brass to plastic bushing. Seriously consider junking the factory plastic as a mechanic told me that these come unglued at the girth anyway and the 2002-11 types with push-clip-in sensors according to eBay leak at the o-rings AND seam. As for me, if I had not have uncorked the genie and let the blue smoke out I'd just have put mine back in because only upon breaking it did I speak with the mechanic.

 

[swshawaii]

Here's the thread to upgrade the threaded sensor housing to the compression o-ring sensor type housing.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=239493