Need help with coolant leak! (Pics)

[blstrick55]

I've got a 2004 Explorer 4.0 with about 150k miles. I've seen a few threads on here about losing coolant and coolant leaking and it seems most of the time the thermostat housing needs to be replaced. But my leak appears to be coming from the hose that goes into the thermostat housing. Any thoughts? I just want to make sure I'm attempting the right repair before I start buying parts.

Thanks in advance!

Brad

 

[swshawaii]

Definitely the notoriously failing lower thermostat housing splitting at it's seams again.
Order the RH148 single sensor housing, DY1004 ECT sensor, and two seals for repair.
Highly recommend replacing the water pump bypass hose and thermostat while apart.

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

 

[Thuggsy]

personally, id replace the entire T-stat housing. (its plastic!) they are prone to failure.

may as well replace all the hoses and give it a flushing out too while youre there.

 

[swshawaii]

The older housing has threaded sensors that fracture and is expensive.
Upgrading to the newer housing will greatly improve the reliability. See link.

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

 

[blstrick55]

Definitely the notoriously failing lower thermostat housing splitting at it's seams again.
Order the RH148 single sensor housing, DY1004 ECT sensor, and two seals for repair.
Highly recommend replacing the water pump bypass hose and thermostat while apart.

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

Thanks, that's exactly what I needed. Are these the correct seals and I need two of them?

http://www.amazon.com/Motorcraft-RG...&ie=UTF8&qid=1355423659&sr=1-1&keywords=rg614

 

[swshawaii]

Just one. You also need an upper housing o-ring seal. (FelPro 35617)
Smart, Amazon or RockAuto rule for parts. Stay posted, glad to help.

 

[blstrick55]

Thanks again for the help. I ordered everything I need for about $117 shipped, due to arrive Tuesday. Gotta love Amazon Prime! Here's a list of everything. Maybe it helps someone in the future - all prices include shipping:

Motorcraft DY1004 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor $23.99 (Amazon)
Motorcraft RT1167 190F and 88C Thermostat $21.03 (Amazon)
Motorcraft RH147 Thermostat Housing (Upper) $27.09 (Amazon)
Motorcraft RG614 Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing Gasket $6.56 (Amazon)
Motorcraft RH148 Thermostat Housing (Lower) $36.79 (Amazon)
Felpro 35617 O-Ring $1.79 (Advance Auto Parts)

 

[swshawaii]

Good list. Replacing the RH147 upper housing usually isn't necessary.
If OK, cancel it and add the bypass hose (KM 3269?) if not too late.

 

[Allstar54]

I have new parts that Ford wouldn't take back under warranty if you want them cheaper than the dealer. PM me.