warp thermostat housing?

[rehlers]

Hello. I have a 97 Explorer Sport 4WD, SOHC v6. I had the thermostat replaced back in september of 2001. Sometime after that, I developed a leak. I finally took into into the dealership and they claim that the thermostat housing is "warped" and can't be sealed. They said I need a new one. The housing alone is $220 plus 2 hours of labor at $73.

I really don't buy their explanation. Seems to me more likely that the gaskets were not installed properly when the thermostat was replaced originally. I haven't actually taken a look at the housing yet myself, as its still in the shop.

Does anyone see it as being possible that the housing somehow warped?

Thanks!

Rob

 

[Fusion213]

220 dollars??? You have to be kidding me. The thermostat housing for my 5.0 only cost 70 some odd dollars. You should check with Ford Parts Network and see how much they quote you for the t-stat housing and order it from them, then get a mechanic to install it or do it yourself.

 

[mccutters]

I agree, $220 is way over priced...on my 96 4.0L is was just shy of $80 and it was cracked.

 

[kps36]

Who replaced the Tstat ? betcha a nickel whoever did it forgot the O-ring 'gasket'. And you can get a good chrome Tstat housing from Summit ... just about anywhere for about $70...

'I finally took into into the dealership and they claim'

Figures !

 

[rehlers]

thanks for the info. I'm not in my home city (and near my tools) right now, so I can't do much about it myself until I get back. I'll have to check around for a cheaper housing if it is defective.