Replaced SOHC thermostat housing today

[biggiesize]

My 99 sport had been leaking coolant for awhile.I knew where it was coming from but with work hours and kids,just didnt have time to swap it out.But we had a nice stretch of weather this week and i decided to take the day off and get it done.
It was in there tight and one of the bolts broke off in the block,but luckily there was enough sticking up to work with.
Heres to hoping that I never have to do this job again!

 

[Paul Fithian]

When that one starts leaking, install a cast aluminum one from Simmons so you don't have to do that difficult job again.

 

[drdoom]

Good job, glad you got it taken care of.

I remember when I replaced mine, I had to do it three times in a row! I bought a cheap Four Seasons housing and it leaked, replaced it with another, it was no good, finally bought a DORMAN and it was OK.
.. geez Louise that was a long day!

 

[biggiesize]

Good job, glad you got it taken care of.

I remember when I replaced mine, I had to do it three times in a row! I bought a cheap Four Seasons housing and it leaked, replaced it with another, it was no good, finally bought a DORMAN and it was OK.
.. geez Louise that was a long day!

3 times!Dude I would have been pissed!Im at 256,000 miles,so most likely I will never have to do it again.

 

[biggiesize]

Good job, glad you got it taken care of.

I remember when I replaced mine, I had to do it three times in a row! I bought a cheap Four Seasons housing and it leaked, replaced it with another, it was no good, finally bought a DORMAN and it was OK.
.. geez Louise that was a long day!

Unfortunately,I did knownthe aluminum existed until after I had already ordered mine.If I ever have to do it again,I will def go with the aluminum

 

[Paul Fithian]

I’m on my third.

The OEM one leaked after an overheat. The replacement NAPA nylon one leaked after ~1,500 miles.

A replacement Austekk aluminum housing leaked also.

Now have a Simmons that doesn’t leak.

See 4.0 SOHC Metal Thermostat Housing Comparison

 

[donalds]

I’m on my third.

The OEM one leaked after an overheat. The replacement NAPA nylon one leaked after ~1,500 miles.

A replacement Austekk aluminum housing leaked also.

Now have a Simmons that doesn’t leak.

See 4.0 SOHC Metal Thermostat Housing Comparison

My austeck hasn't leaked a drop

 

[biggiesize]

You guys are scaring me with all this leaky talk

 

[biggiesize]

One quick question about the sensors.I assume one is the coolant temp sensor.What is the other one?Which one is the gray plug?

 

[Mbrooks420]

By looking at it, I’m guessing torque and tightening sequence is very critical. Overtightening these is sure to cause them to leak.

 

[swshawaii]

One quick question about the sensors.I assume one is the coolant temp sensor.What is the other one?Which one is the gray plug?

Gauge sender.

 

[donalds]

This is what I do with the plastic thermostat housing

 

[Paul Fithian]

By looking at it, I’m guessing torque and tightening sequence is very critical. Overtightening these is sure to cause them to leak.

No, even the nylon versions have compression limiting bolt sleeves or metal inserts. The bolts will break prior to overtorque.

Only three bolts, so no issue with sequence.

See the thread I referenced earlier for root cause on why they leak.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Looking at it I was guessing there were 5 mounting bolts.

 

[allmyEXes]

My (plastic) $18- with 2 new sensors installed in it is still hanging in there after a year and a half.
I did use an inch pounds torque wrench when I tightened the bolts.
Here is a link. From premier it is now a few more dollars
NEW US THERMOSTAT HOUSING W/ SENSORS FOR 97-01 FORD EXPLORER MOUNTAINEER 4.0L V6 | eBay
Here is an aluminum one with new bolts
97-01 Explorer Mountaineer 4.0L SOHC Aluminum Metal Thermostat Housing Kit | eBay

 

[Brownpsu78]

Unfortunately,I did knownthe aluminum existed until after I had already ordered mine.If I ever have to do it again,I will def go with the aluminum

Who sells the aluminum one?

 

[Mbrooks420]

Who sells the aluminum one?

From post above

Austekk, Simmons

 

[Brownpsu78]

From post above

Austekk, Simmons

Thank you

 

[Paul Fithian]

I replacd a leaking Austekk with a Simmons. Now it doesn’t leak.

See SimmonsAutosportz

 

[donalds]

I replacd a leaking Austekk with a Simmons. Now it doesn’t leak.

See SimmonsAutosportz

The Simmons is out of stock on their website
Maybe eBay