Replacing thermostat housing for 2004 explorer

SOURCE: 2004 explorer thermostat 3 bolts holds it on? will

if the thermostat came with a new rubber o ring that fits around it, then no the plastic housing shouldnt need to be sealed, but if there is no rubber o ring yes seal it or it will leak... as far as distilled water, no just reg tap water is fine...remember to put anti-sieze on your bolts before you put them back in.. or they may not come out if you need to replace the thermostat in the future... hope this helps

Johnny Brown

• 5763 Answers
• Posted on Sep 03, 2011

SOURCE: 2004 Ford Explorer V6 engine

There is a gasket on the base of the housing, the housing you speak off has the sensor and a heater hose and bolts to top of the intake and also hold the thermostant, this housing does contain a rubber molded gaske, i have replaced a few of these, heres the problem i have run into a couple where the plastic was eaten away in the area that holds the gasket in place. if you remove it you will see a groove that the gasket sits inside of, if the groove is broken then replace the housing but if its good then all you need is the gasket, you will need to ask for thermostat housing gasket to engine intake, this gets confusing to a parts person as they may think you are asking for the thermostat gasket, also in the rear bottom of the housing theres a hose connected to the housing make sure thats not your leak, the hose may also be leaking. good day