The plastic thermostat housing on my '99 SOHC motor is leaking, even with a new gasket, and am searching for a replacement.

Does anyone have any suggestions on a good replacement?

I found one from Dorman Products for $83:
dormanproducts dot com/p-29162-902-204.aspx

However, a review on Amazon says it leaks right out of the box.

AlldataDIY does not have a part number but Dorman's website says it replaces OEM# YU3Z-8A586-AA.

Any other source I might find one?

 

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Do you think the Four Seasons is a quality part?

Rockauto does not have a picture of that part and based on the price it is probably only the upper portion or the metal interconnect.

They have the Dorman at Rockauto which is where I originally found one.

I would rather have the original FMC or Motorcraft part but haven't found a listing. I am going to try the local dealer. I am scared of what the price will be!

 

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Yep, looking for both pieces. I'll take a look again.

 

Four Seasons part number 85331 is correct for both pieces

Can be verified at 4 Seasons - Home

 

Surge08: Thanks for the input. Do you think it is a quality part and will last a while?

 

Okay, the plot gets deeper.

Through another post, I found out that Ford changed the housing and so that is likely why they do not have a Motorcraft number for the old one. The new one does not have threads for the sensors.

So I might try to use the new one and purchase new sensors. The new housing is the Motorcraft RH144 (bottom only) at $36. I need to research the sensors. The pictures on Rockauto and Amazon show the part upside down.

Dan

 

I have used 4 seasons for a/c and heater parts. Those do well so I would assume this setup would be no different.

 

If you are replacing with the Motorcraft RH144 housing and your sensors are threaded,
you will need to replace them with the newer type o-ring compression sensors.
Don't forget the two retainer clips (W706800-S303) that hold them in. See link below. GL

How To Replace the Upper and Lower Thermostat Housing on a Ford 4.0L V6 SOHC Engine

 

Thanks for the information and link.

I tried ordering the 4-Seasons part but it turns out that Rockauto doesn't have it and can't get it. I searched and searched but no luck finding the 4-Seasons part.

So I am going to do the upgrade from the threaded to the new style. I'll need to figure out what parts are going to work for my '99.

Thanks again for the input.

Dan

 

Use fordparts.com with your VIN to confirm the correct part numbers.
Check Amazon for excellent Motorcraft pricing and usually free shipping. GL

http://www.amazon.com/Motorcraft-RH1.../dp/B000C5BW5K

 

Using fordparts.com kind of works for normal parts, but I am modifying my '99 to the new thermostat housing, Motorcraft RH144.

I have heard from other posts that the top portion for that version, the Motorcraft RH165, doesn't work in the '99 SOHC, the original must be used. I bought the 4-Seasons replacement and find it to be lacking in quality. But got no choice because no FMC or Motorcraft is available. The gasket for the old one is not even available. One must buy the entire housing for $395 to get all the parts.

The sensors are different for the new housing. I have ordered the new version of them based on listings on Rockauto but they showed up today and have threads on them. I guess I'll need to take the housing down to the dealer to see what fits.

There are some clips and O-rings that I need to get there to hold them in anyway.

There is also a different gasket, not given on the '99 listings: Motorcraft RG614.

I always try to get the FMC or Motorcraft part first. Every after market part I get is inferior to the original parts.

I'll put a final parts list together when I am all done to get the job done right. Who would have thought that it would take so much effort to replace a thermostat housing!

Dan

 

Not sure if this will help.

4.0 SOHC plastic thermostat housing - 4.0 SOHC plastic thermostat housing - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

 

Hey-thanks for adding that link. I found another thread on that same site but it didn't have the part numbers that the thread you listed had. Several have photos but they are all removed when I look at them. Perhaps I need to sign up for that website, too.

I've received all the parts for this upgrade that I ordered from Rockauto. However, the temperature switch and sender have threads on them. I ordered the ones for the new housing so I am not sure why they have threads. Rockauto lists them for the new model (post 7/24/2000) and continue through 2004 at least. But I have a suspicion that they are not the right ones. I might have to reorder.

Anyway, I'll take it one step at a time. Waiting for new housing at this point.