Thermostat housing leak AGAIN!... can I use a sealant?

[Explorer5150]

I have replaced my thermostat housing on my 4.0SOHC 98 Explorer 3X times now.

The last time I used a housing from Advance and it has held up the best so far but now it is pissing coolant (Very tiny) Leak out the back of the housing at the seam (The typical leak) I want to try to stop it this time before it gets worse and I have to do the housing yet again.

Is there a sealant I could use on the outside of the housing to fill the joints and prevent it coming out. I am OVER this......

I wish the metal housing the enthusiasts talked about had worked out because this is maddening. My only other option is to change the housing every 8-10 months which is a total pain in the A**

 

[swshawaii]

Are you over tightening the three lower t-stat housing bolts? Recommended torque spec is very low at 7-8 ft/lb. or 89 inch/lb. The replacement Motorcraft lower housings have held up quite well with few issues. Unless you use two part epoxy for the leaking "welded" seams, I don't believe any type of RTV will seal long term. If you haven't yet, I suggest you upgrade to the newer non threaded sensor Motorcraft RH144 housing linked below, or consider the new aluminum replacement that is now available. GL

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

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3246775&postcount=38
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3246926&postcount=40

 

[my98nnj]

Never had an issue with mine. Even changed the stat once and it sealed up nicely with nothing more then a new o ring.

 

[Explorer5150]

Trust me when I say I have gotten really good at changing them.
I have torqued it perfect and this one lasted like 8 months.

What happens is over time the seams either pull apart or the coolant is burning a hole from the back side through the weak seams....

I just emailed the seller of the metal housing fdxmechanic@yahoo.com
Finally..... I have been waiting for this.... I am going to buy the metal lower and upper and be done with this lol....

Lets see it leak through solid metal MUA HA HA....
thank you!

 

[swshawaii]

Smart, I'd be fed up too. Remember, you need two new sensors, and two dealer only retainer clips for the upgrade.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3241648&postcount=30

 

[gnx547]

Explorer5150, Did you end up installing the metal housing? If so hows the fit and how much did you pay?

 

[swshawaii]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=362922&page=2

 

[swshawaii]

NAPA and Dorman have aftermarket sensor/sender clips. (W706800S303)

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/C...erature-Sensor-Clip/_/R-NDP7305034_0437476037

http://www.dormanproducts.com/advan...rttype=Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Clip

 

[drdoom]

I had to change mine four times in a weekend. I use air and torque wrenches on everything and it still takes a few hours to do. The number of connections & fasteners is too many to speed up even with practice lol! What I learned the hard way is pressure test before putting the manifolds back on. I don't have a tester so I had to put everything back and get the truck running to test it. All along it was a defective Chinese replacement part. I used a different brand of Chinese replacement part the fourth time and it is fine.

 

[explorinitup]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1997-2001-F...s_Accessories&hash=item4629647442#ht_67wt_983
TRY THIS!!!! FOUND THIS YESTERDAY

 

[Explorer5150]

I have been running the metal one since february without issue.
Thanks for the letting me know it was out. I am using it with the plastic top and no leak at all!