Radiator and stat replacement?

[45Frank]

My radiator has been leaking for some time now so with the hottest weather of the year coming i will replacing it today along with the thermostat. This kind of a make sure question more than anything.
All of the post/pictures I see have a plastic housing on the top of the motor, mine is on the front, motor is 4.0L, EFI, OHV? Also from what I see there are two temp stats available 195 and 180* which is used?
Thank you!!

 

[Mike65]

Frank, welcome. The plastic housing on top of the motor is on the 4.0 SOHC engine, on the 4.0 OHV engine it is on the front. When I replaced the t-stat on my 4.0 OHV in my 00 Ranger I used a 195°.

 

[manimal]

Use the stock thermostat, 195. 180 thermostat will likely never cool to 180 with the stock radiator, and even if it did, this is actually not good for fuel economy - the engine is meant to run at 195.

Clean the thermostat housing and lower intake thermostat seating surfaces well. I always use the rubber O-ring that seats on the thermostat, and have never had any issues with it on several 4.0s and 2.9 (similar design).

Make sure to replace radiator hoses and clamps while you're there, and burp the system properly after refilling - just install the radiator cap (get a new one as well), tighten fully, then loosen to the first stop. This will burp the system into the reserve tank as it heats up.

 

[45Frank]

OK thank all.
I went bought the radiator, stat and coolant yesterday and hope to do this after church today. Last question.
No gasket came with the stat is there one? And if so is a paper type or O'ring?

 

[koda2000]

OK thank all.
I went bought the radiator, stat and coolant yesterday and hope to do this after church today. Last question.
No gasket came with the stat is there one? And if so is a paper type or O'ring?

The stat's never come with a gasket (same stats used on multiple engines). Yes, I believe you'll need a gasket. Probably a paper one. If you don't feel like going back to the auto parts store, make one out of a cereal box. Trace out the shape, mark the holes and use 1/4" sockets to punch the holes out. I do it all the time.

 

[manimal]

The rubber grommet that fits onto the thermostat works better than paper gasket. Clean the mating surfaces well.

 

[45Frank]

Want thank all for the comments. Went yesterday to find the gasket and both auto stores here said they wouldn't have it until friday. So went to the local Ford dealership and got hosed, he sold me one that was nothing more than an o-ring. From pictures on line I tried to explain that it went around the thermostat. He told me he's been doing this for 30 years and that's the one.
So last night I pulled the radiator which was pretty easy, removed stat housing and of course his gasket wouldn't work anyway. Lucky the old one was saveable, I just put a little gasket sealer around the rubber gasket. Filled up and so far so good, I have to check it one more time today. Oh and the $13.13 O-ring is going back with his 30 yrs of experience. LOL

Also I did notice a few stress cracks on the fan, is this an inexpensive and easy fix?

 

[koda2000]

The plastic fans always get cracks. If the cracks are the center and not extending to the edges I'd live with it. It should be fine. It's not hard to change. Just a few bolts. Hardest part is that you're working in a tight area. I replaced the fan on one of my V8's as the cracks were quite bad. I got a Motorcraft replacement from RockAuto for around $50.