98 coolant leak -- SOHC -- Under engine

[Stick_man]

the leak looks like its coming from a part which I can't identify from under the engine and leaking down on the axle

is this the thermostat unit i been reading about that is infamous on the 98?? if so what do have to do to remove to get to it?

can you use barrs stop leak more than once btw? I tried Barrs and it did nothing.


how many shop hours would it take to repair this?

Happy thanksgiving all

 

[swshawaii]

Lower thermostat housing. Cheaper and improved OEM upgrade linked below.

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

 

[Stick_man]

Lower thermostat housing. Cheaper and improved OEM upgrade linked below.

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

what does that bolt on to? i don't see a crack in the lower housing but it appears to be leaking from where the lower housing and whatever is below it meet.

what should i order? did ford make it just the housing yet? otherwise i need an aftermarket one with a new sensors

 

[swshawaii]

How To Replace the Upper and Lower Thermostat Housing on a Ford 4.0L V6 SOHC Engine

http://bengrosser.com/howto/fordthermostat/

 

[Stick_man]

How To Replace the Upper and Lower Thermostat Housing on a Ford 4.0L V6 SOHC Engine

http://bengrosser.com/howto/fordthermostat/

Thanks !

Looks like there's a gasket between the "mounting hole" and the
Lower therm house and I think that gave out.

Wonder if the stop leak I put in worked; didn't notice any leaking yesterday

 

[swshawaii]

The lower housings have been known to seep for years without issue, or let go without warning. Like most engines with aluminum heads, the 4.0L SOHC does not react kindly to overheating. Your call, pulling heads to replace gaskets or replacement heads can't be fun or cheap. Basic repair for the newer style housing only requires the RH144 lower housing, both sensors with clips, and upper and lower o-ring seals. Another option is an aftermarket replacement complete with the older style threaded sensors. I've heard mixed reviews on them.

 

[Stick_man]

I don't think it is leaking from the housing

The coolant runs down the passengers side of the engine

That is too far and too concentrated to be complete my from the thermostat

 

[drdoom]

Mine split and it took me a while to realize it was in fact the thermostat housing. Coolant leaked down right side of engine.

 

[Stick_man]

Where was it cracked?

I took off the whole intake had 2 of the thermostat screws and the hose off and I'm like ... there's no coolant around here and it doesn't look visibly cracked anywhere. This is a waste of time.

 

[drdoom]

Yes that's a waste of time, you should put a pressure test rig on after pulling the intake. I should have done the same AFTER installing the first defective replacement, you want to talk about a waste of time! It takes me almost six hours to R&R a housing, and I use air and torque wrenches for everything. Problem I had was putting it ALL the way back together and get it running since I had no test rig. Three times in one weekend before getting a good housing.

 

[Stick_man]

got a wire harness running down the middle of mine ... it splits and goes 2 directions above the rear bolt making removal difficult.

anyone know what the wires are? how much work is removing intake manifold?

 

[drdoom]

On mine that harness is for the CKP sensor. I removed it.

 

[Stick_man]

went out and bought an 8 mm ratchet wrench. i got the housing off but the thing was so brittle 2 of the bottom tabs came off and the lower hose nipple broke and fell down the hose to the water pump.

how do i get this stuff out?

 

[Stick_man]

how can I get the tabs out of the engine block hole. I tried putting grease on my hand and reaching down there with my fingers but nothing stuck to it

 

[bilzy7]

ohh god, you sound like me when I did my steering rack install. I destroyed the aluminum thread on the pressure hose and had to buy a whole new rack. you can try some sort of magnet, something you could stick down it, not just drop down by string.

 

[swshawaii]

Magnet won't work, lower housing and broken tabs are plastic. Maybe a shop vac with a small hose taped to the nozzle? (See pic)

http://bengrosser.com/howto/fordthermostat/clean-up.php#step6

 

[Stick_man]

There's a thought.

I also suspect a piece of the lower nipple went down the lower hose into the radiator perhaps.

Maybe a flush and fill at a shop will take care of both?

 

[swshawaii]

Flush? Wouldn't hurt to try. Stick a water hose in the radiator and increase pressure slowly. Broken plastic pieces "should" float. GL

 

[Stick_man]

This wire harness is driving me bat-sh*t crazy trying to get the new housing back in.

It is impossible too put it in with the rear bolt intact and that harness in the way.

 

[swshawaii]

You NEED a 1/4" universal, extension, and 8mm socket to access the rear bolt. A conventional 8mm or ratcheting wrench will not do.
It is stated "essential" in the bottom link. Once you have the lower housing in place, do NOT over tighten. Torque is only 7-8 foot lbs.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-universal-joint-1-4-in-drive/p-00904280000P#specifications

http://bengrosser.com/howto/fordthermostat/#introduction