Thermostat housing leak

[efiles123]

I have a 1999 explorer 4.0l that has been loosing coolant. I recently noticed a small leak around the thermostat housing as shown in the pic. My question is should I try replacing oring or just replace the entire kit? The current thermostat is the second replacement.

 

[fast_dave]

From the pics, my vote is at minimum another $20 Plastic Kit from Amazon = 1 & Done

The SOHC diehards will advise you to upgrade to the Aluminum Kit for $40 more ($60 TOTAL), and that's fine by me as well if you have the $ for it.

 

[XLTrunner]

Depends on how much enjoyment you get out of fussing with these. I'm on my third one...and, next one (if there is a next one) will be the aluminum housing. My biggest pet peeve (beside the horse-s**t design of these plastic housings) performing this job is having to remove the alternator, alternator mtg brkt, and belt tensioner to access and loosen the crank position sensor harness that is draped snugly over the middle of the t-stat housing preventing it from being lifted upwards during removal.

 

[efiles123]

Thanks for the responses guys. I’ll have to go with replacing the entire housing. Gonna see what the local parts store has in stock.

 

[fast_dave]

Just sayin' - the local parts store will more than likely be twice the price (of Amazon) on Plastic.

Keep in mind, at that point, you will be only $20 away from online ordering Aluminum, which seems to be the overall best solution.

 

[donalds]

My aluminum one is mint put it on and never messed with it yet

 

[swshawaii]

4.0 SOHC Metal Thermostat Housing Comparison

I obtained 2 thermostat housings for my 2001 Ranger. The original is plastic and not leaking yet but you know how that goes on the 4.0 SOHC. The first one is from Simmons Autosports. I have used theirs before and its a great part, way better than the original plastic one from Ford. Here are...

www.explorerforum.com

 

[fast_dave]

^^^^^ Some good info there!

 

[efiles123]

Ok I think you guys have me sold on an aluminum one. Is there a specific brand you recommend? Just went on eBay to find several and have no idea what to get or stay away from.

 

[donalds]

Simmons SimmonsAutosportz
Or

BRAND NEW 01-11 EXPLORER MOUNTAINEER, B4000 4.0L ALUMINUM THERMOSTAT HOUSING KIT | eBay

2000 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Sport Utility 4-Door 4.0L 245Cu. V6 GAS SOHC Naturally Aspirated Vehicle Build Date To: 3/4/2002. 2000 Ford Explorer Limited Sport Utility 4-Door 4.0L 245Cu. 2000 Ford Explorer Sport Sport Utility 2-Door 4.0L 245Cu.

www.ebay.com

 

[Mr. Alligator]

Aluminum. Simmons.

No more problems (with that….)

Good luck.

 

[efiles123]

Simmons SimmonsAutosportz
Or

BRAND NEW 01-11 EXPLORER MOUNTAINEER, B4000 4.0L ALUMINUM THERMOSTAT HOUSING KIT | eBay

2000 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Sport Utility 4-Door 4.0L 245Cu. V6 GAS SOHC Naturally Aspirated Vehicle Build Date To: 3/4/2002. 2000 Ford Explorer Limited Sport Utility 4-Door 4.0L 245Cu. 2000 Ford Explorer Sport Sport Utility 2-Door 4.0L 245Cu.

www.ebay.com

the one on eBay is for 01-11 and I have a 1999 which says not compatible in the ad. Also tried Amazon and google without any luck. Has anyone had good luck with Osias or other aluminum rands on eBay. Says they offer 2 year warranty.

 

[donalds]

It fits my 99
You can reuse your plastic outlet .....top piece..... I did not

The Simmons one
You can call them

Here is it on my 99

4.0 SOHC Metal Thermostat Housing Comparison

I obtained 2 thermostat housings for my 2001 Ranger. The original is plastic and not leaking yet but you know how that goes on the 4.0 SOHC. The first one is from Simmons Autosports. I have used theirs before and its a great part, way better than the original plastic one from Ford. Here are...

www.explorerforum.com