97 Moutaineer thermostat housing bolts are different sizes?

[OzMounty]

Thanks for any help that can be given!

I pulled off my housing to change the thermostat, put it back on and one of the bolts is very short it barely makes it in there but it can fasten, the other bolt is just a little bit too long? I can't work it out really... I did drop one bolt into the motor but I found it, there couldn't have been a few bolts hanging around in there.. It's the correct 13 mm top both of them but just seems to be just a little bit too long.

I'm going to go and have a good look through the motor and see if there's any more bolts in there but it's very unlikely.

 

[tinman_72]

Did one break off inside the hole and now you are trying to put the unbroken bolt in the hole with broken bolt in it?

 

[OzMounty]

Did one break off inside the hole and now you are trying to put the unbroken bolt in the hole with broken bolt in it?

blonde moment here thanks! One is longer to go through the wide bit of housing... was sure I hadn't got them mixed up but yes I had. I spose lots of these year vehicles would not have the original bolts. I searched a lot and did not find any mention of different sized bolts. Also Mountainers do have weird spots.
Leaving this here in case anyone else's brain is fading.

 

[Turdle]

Just try a 2nd gen explorer v8 timing cover for chuckles.

 

[OzMounty]

Just try a 2nd gen explorer v8 timing cover for chuckles.

Will some day! I am happy with my repair, was running cold so the thermostat must have been stuck open. I did not clean the surfaces of the housing so much, just a gasket and red JB Weld. Just drove to Myrtle Beach and back an 8hr round trip! all good.