Overheating. thermostat issues please help.

[spanishmauser_51]

okay drove my 99 4.0 sohc to a local joint, then waited about an hour while eating, the drive about 8-11 min to my church. parked. went inside, freind comes in after me, says my car is smoking. went to check an it was pouring from outta the grill, pop the hood, its only steam not smoke, coming from the top of the engine out from under the intake cover, right where it says 4.0L SOHC. another fella looked at it said it was a bad thermostat that cause it to not cycle the hot coolant and/or water outta the engine. i said ok had it towed to the shop. turns out the thermostat isnt the only thing but the thermostat housing is split. now they say about 300$ for the part because its only availble from ford. my question is this common? my mechanic said the Explorers an some older Lincolns where prone to do this. but im looking for second opioion, advice, or anything really. thanks in advance!

 

[Electrohacker]

as for a replacement part, check the wrecking yards, $300 is a rip off

 

[rileyrs]

not common, not $300 either.
check ebay, and rock auto, you should be able to find one way cheaper.
its a very easy replacement too, most poeple with mild car skills could do it themselves.

 

[2000StreetRod]

Replacement steps

The following link gives step by step instructions for replacing the housing on a Ranger. The engine is the same configuration as the Explorer.
How To Replace the Upper and
Lower Thermostat Housing on a
Ford 4.0L V6 SOHC Engine

 

[marragtop]

Rockauto has them for $30.

 

[gijoecam]

Rockauto has them for $30.

I'll believe that when I see it...

 

[99Explanger]

i have the exact same problem cept the part is 400 from my dealer but there re lots of them in the recking yards so try there first.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

The following link gives step by step instructions for replacing the housing on a Ranger. The engine is the same configuration as the Explorer.
How To Replace the Upper and
Lower Thermostat Housing on a
Ford 4.0L V6 SOHC Engine

hey, thanks for posting that! i need to change my thermostat soon. i knew they where a *****, but that doesn't look all that bad now knowing you pull the alt out!

 

[spanishmauser_51]

parts ordered. an the private shop is doin it not a dealer but apprently ford is the only company who makes this part? and i simply jsut dont have time to do it myself but i prolly could with some help from my dad. mabye next time i'll DIY haha