Howdy,
long time reader, first time poster...

I have a '97 2.3L Ranger and have used this site at length for any issues with the truck. So first, a big thanks to all the generous folks who spend time helping others.

My issue: I have replaced the thermostat housing, thermostat and, I think, the engine temp sender?, which screws into the thermostat housing itself. Also during the maintenance, their was a T-section of pipe that has another temp sender unit that goes to the cab for the engine temp gauge.

The problem is that I can not find this T-section pipe anywhere. The T-section is between the hose that goes to the cab for the heater core and the thermostat housing.

Has anyone seen this configuration on this truck or is this a previous owner mod?

Also, would anyone have an idea of where to get the T-section that I mention? I have tried at least 6 auto part stores in the area with no luck.

Thanks,
Glenn

 

Is it just a plastic T fitting in the hose?

 

Hi Scott,
no it isn't a plastic T. I saw a lot of those when I was looking.

It is the same as a plastic T, except made of metal with a "body" that allows the temp sender unit to be screwed into it.

Can't find the thing anywhere!

Glenn

 

Bump.

Any ideas - it goes between the heater core hose and the water outlet on the thermostat housing. A engine temp unit sensor screws into it.

Thanks,
Glenn

 

Sorry for lack of responce, i dont make it into the ranger section often
Welcome to FTE by the way,

Ok glen, i know the piece you are reffering to, but i dont know where you might find it, and its not exactly something that would be easilly fabbed. As much as i hate to sujest it, I would sujest checking your nearest ford dealer, dont beleive it if they tell you they dont have it. I dont know the exact part number, if you PM a user on here named NumberDummy im sure he can look it up for you, he was a Ford parts man for 35+ years and has more resources than all the rest of us combined. Explain the part to him and say i sent you

later

 

Hi Scott,
thanks for the reply.

I did go to a Ford dealership yesterday when I picked a blower motor resistor for the truck and they said that they did not have the T-section anymore.

I will pm NumberDummy later today and see if he can help.

This is driving me crazy! I didn't think about fabbing one up, but I may have to.

Glenn

 

Hi Scott,
I can't PM NumberDummy or yourself.

Anyway you can refer him to this thread for me to look at?

Glenn

 

check ebay under "Ford Ranger thermostat" and see what comes up

Mark

www.mobilefleetservices.net

 

http://www.rockauto.com/dbphp/mak,FORD,1983,RANGER,1137350,2.3L+140cid+L4+1BBL+% 2528A%2529

Look like this? except click on the 1997 folder, then Ranger, then cooling system, and then thermostat housing. The link comes up as a 1983 Ranger but just click on the right year as I stated and it will pull up a few options. Not a cheap little part at $50-70. Maybe you could get a used one at the local junkyard. Mark

www.mobilefleetservices.net

 

[QUOTE=mobilefleet]http://www.rockauto.com/dbphp/mak,FORD,1983,RANGER,1137350,2.3L+140cid+L4+1BBL+% 2528A%2529

Look like this? except click on the 1997 folder, then Ranger, then cooling system, and then thermostat housing. The link comes up as a 1983 Ranger but just click on the right year as I stated and it will pull up a few options. Not a cheap little part at $50-70. Maybe you could get a used one at the local junkyard. Mark

www.mobilefleetservices.net[/QUOTE]

Hi Mark,
very close, but no cigar.

I just replaced the housing that you indicated - $40 at Murrays - and put in a new thermostat.

The T-section that I speak of goes after the small pipe from the thermostat housing in the photos and then connects to the heater core hose.

So basically it is: Thermostat housing>hose>T-section with temp sender unit>heater core hose to the firewall.

If I can't get one then I will try to fab one up before going to the junkyard.

Thanks for looking,
Glenn

 

The reason ya'll are having trouble finding that so called T fitting is because...according to the picture in the Ford parts catalog...it ONLY comes with the heater hose. It's not sold separately. It's not really a T fitting at all, but a 3 way Y fitting.

The two heater hoses: one feeds from the front, the other from the core. These two hoses are actually all ONE PIECE as original, with the two ends swagged onto the Y fitting. The third fitting of the three way Y is a straight end.

This swagged end crappola started in the 1980's, and because of the setup, the average person has to go to the dealership and either have it fixed, or buy a new hose.

Believe me, it isn't fun telling ppl their heater hose is obsolete after only a few years, because...

...The hoses usually go obsolete after a certain number of years, and now you're left to improvise. It becomes more difficult if the Y fitting rusts out...now you're scrambling to find something...anything that'll work in its place.

Swagged ended heater hoses: Planned obsolescence!

The parts catalog lists three heater hose, two of them are marked with ID numbers, the third isn't.

It would be nice if the parts catalog actually said where the two marked hoses go, and which one has the fitting, but of course, it doesn't.

E7TZ-18472-A = marked: E77H-18 D334-AA (this is prolly the one with that fitting)

E8TZ-18472-C .. Heater Inlet

E7TZ-18472-B = marked: E7TH-18472-AA

EDIT: FTE sponsor GREEN SALES has all three of these hoses: 800-543-4959.

 

Hi NumberDummy,
thanks for the detailed response.

I went to a THIRD Ford dealership today with the part, here is a photo of the part:

http://s270.photobucket.com/albums/j...t=IMG_0486.jpg

The dealer gave me the following number: F47Z-18599A

Apparently two dealers in the country have this part because, as you said, the part is obsolete!!

I will let you know how I go.

I will also try Green Sales and see what they have.

Thanks for all the help.

Glenn

UPDATE: Part is being delivered - you don't want to know the price.

 

You should have called Green Sales, I just typed the F47Z-18599-A part number into their online parts locater. They have 10 of them in stock.

In case any of y'all need one, Green's phone number is 800-543-4959.

 

Thanks NumberDummy,

I will know better next time.

I hope this thread comes in handy for some one else in the future.

Glenn

 

Update:Well the dealer part was incorrect.

So, like Number Dummy suggested, I contacted Green Sales via email with a picture of the part I was after.

The correct part number is F2TZ-18B402-A.

Cost was $12 plus shipping.

A big thank you to Joshua at Green Sales for excellent customer service in tracking down the correct part for me.



Glenn