I need a thermostat. Now!

[shytot4x4]

I need a thermostat. Quickly!

Does anybody know of anwhere in the UK that stocks a thermostat for a 1999 4.0 SOHC Ex?
My Ford dealer can't even find a part number. It's not in any of the catalogues at any local motor factors. US Automotive don't stock them but can get them on special order from the US at £22.10 + £1.10 (for the O ring) + P&P + VAT. 14 to 21 days delivery... That's gonna be about £30 with tax and P&P...

Would one of our US members with a PayPal account be able to help me out here? Shipping by air mail shouldn't be too expensive. (Is it 'Global' that have fixed price envelopes?). I'm sure the whole cost will be below £30 (approx $55 USD). Anybody?

TIA
Simon H

 

[shytot4x4]

I have ordered a 'stat and O-ring from www.rockauto.com at a total cost of $37.01 dollars (£20.17 GBP) inc shipping. Still not exactly cheap compared to a thermostat for something like a Ford Fiesta, but at least I found one!

Simon H

 

[Zulu95]

Now see if you can find a UK equivalent using the old one as an example. I didn't think that US thermostats looked too much different than those I fitted when I lived in the UK.

 

[shytot4x4]

There probably WILL be an equivalent. Unfortunately Ford agents in the UK are generally completely useless when it comes to Explorers. (They're the worlds best selling 4X4, but 99.99999% of 'em are sold in the US & Canada...). And if it isn't in the catalogue at the independent motor parts places (such as your Pep Boys or whatever) we don't have a lot to go on. When I have a manufacturers part number to cross reference with there's a possibility of finding a match. I will report back in due course.
BTW, is it possible to run without a thermostat in place? I'm wondering about the role played by the O-ring - does the stat have to be in place for the O-ring to seal the housing?

Cheers,
Simon H

 

[Blee1099]

You can run your truck without a thermostat.. A thermostat should probably cost about $40 shipped to the UK.. Unfortunately the cost of VAT and other nice taxes are an issue when shipping abroad.

 

[shytot4x4]

Well, I took the 'stat out this morning. Did the old 'stick it in a pan of boiling water' trick and it stayed shut tight.
As I suspected the housing does not seal unless the 'stat and O-ring are in place. So, I took the 'stat apart and refitted just the outer segment and O-ring. I know that this is not an ideal situation as the truck will run cold all the time. However, it IS useable if I need it. On inspection of the 'stat I removed I notice that it's a Motorcraft item. Made in Germany...

Simon H

 

[ArtistsRifles]

There probably WILL be an equivalent. Unfortunately Ford agents in the UK are generally completely useless when it comes to Explorers. (They're the worlds best selling 4X4, but 99.99999% of 'em are sold in the US & Canada...). And if it isn't in the catalogue at the independent motor parts places (such as your Pep Boys or whatever) we don't have a lot to go on. When I have a manufacturers part number to cross reference with there's a possibility of finding a match. I will report back in due course.
BTW, is it possible to run without a thermostat in place? I'm wondering about the role played by the O-ring - does the stat have to be in place for the O-ring to seal the housing?

Cheers,
Simon H

Didn't you mean to say Ford agents in the UK are just completely useless - period???
And if you think you have problems as a member of the great car-buying public - try telling one you're a Ford employee - you will then see the levels of ineptitude you thought were bottom of the barrel sink several degrees lower down the scale

 

[BrooklynBay]

Why wouldn't a thermostat made for an English, Japanese, or German vehicle fit in your vehicle? I'm sure the size, and construction can't be much different. No auto parts stores sell any kind of thermostats there?

 

[shytot4x4]

Everything has to be 'done by the book' here. If it ain't in the book it don't get done... I'm sure the thermostat will be the same as fitted to something else. I'm not sure what, as the Ex 'stat is quite large compared to every other car I've played with over the years. I still don't have a complete 'stat to take to the store as half of it is still in my engine. When I have a complete item I may be able to persuade a friendly storeman to let me open a few boxes and compare likely matches.

Simon H

 

[shytot4x4]

The new thermostat arrived this morning and I've just finished fitting it. Ordered from www.rockauto.com on tuesday, shipped across the Atlantic and delivered saturday. Meanwhile I'm still waiting to hear from the Ford dealer 2 miles down the road if they can get one or not...

Simon H

 

[BrooklynBay]

In my experience with parts departments, dealers, customers, companies, etc., I know that they don't call back. Sometimes they do when they get the part in, but it is very rare. If it is over a week, it is best to call them. If they don't have it, they will usually say so after being on hold for 20 minutes, then slam the phone before you get a chance to say anything to them, or ask them any questions such as "when will it come in, or should I call in a few more day to see if it came in"? Usually about 3 people pick up during the 20 minute period, and ask what you are waiting for. Before you get a chance to say anything, they put you back on hold, then somebody else picks up, and does the same thing. Does this sound familiar, or are the dealerships where you live better than this?

 

[IZwack]

Ordered from www.rockauto.com on tuesday, shipped across the Atlantic and delivered saturday.

May I wask how much shipping was?

 

[BrooklynBay]

He gave a total price in post #2.

 

[IZwack]

ahah oh - gotcha thanks!