Common Ford 4.0 SOHC Coolant Leak Fix

This is very similar for most of the 4.0 Ford V6 motors. The thermostat housing is a 3 piece plastic unit (Plastic, stupid!) that is glued together. The glue eventually fails, and youll start leaking coolant slowly or rapidly. I noticed some smoke coming out from under the hood one day, saw some coolant puddled on the top of the engine, and then a stream running down and hitting the manifold. I suggest ordering this part on RockAuto.com, you can choose 2 day shipping and still get it way cheaper than a parts store.
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[@wherryd]

Just bought a 2004 ford explorer. Had it for about a month. Today all my antifreeze started leaking out and I thought I had a serious issue. After finding your video I'm very relieved that I have the same exact problem and confirmed it. Will have it fixed tomorrow! A like is not enough, thank you very much for this video!

[@johndavidrodriguez1574]

Thank You Sir, you saved me a ton of money and grief, my 2004 started leaking coolant, everybody I took it to ,it was misdiagnosed ,some said the water pump, some said the head gasket was blown ect. same story everywhere I took it , finally today I saw this video and I'm no mechanic, but this looked like something I could do and wala, I fixed it myself and now running like new again, thank you so much, you are the man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@shado7418]

🔥🔥🔥FYI🔥🔥🔥 That 9/16" O'Ring had me driving to the Canadian Tire at 830 on a Saturday Night, because my replacement didn't come with one and the original was flatten. Make sure your kit has one before leaving your auto parts store

[@lyndonk2407]

Noted!

[@dannylewis5428]

My daughter has a 2007 Explorer that has the same problem with the thermostat housing leaking. I recently replaced the radiator that was cracked below the expansion tank, and while that greatly improved things, coolant is still puddling in between the intakes. This video was very helpful and I am ordering the repair part today. I sincerely appreciate your video. KZbin has changed the world for sure.

[@zone_vlogs7226]

What's the name of the part please so I can order it and fix the same issue with my '03

[@Scarywoody]

Just replaced mine with one off Amazon $24 included, thermostat, sensor and shipping. Took about an hour. Attach lower hose first then seat. Makes it easier.

[@mcdavidhome100]

Hey what’s the part called??

[@Scarywoody]

@@mcdavidhome100 Thermostat housing. You can get an aluminum one but they are much more expensive.

[@kyleb6762]

fantastic video, saved me a ton of time and money since I didnt have to take my 2010 explorer to a mechanic. You are the man, thanks a bunch!

[@kato223]

This was spot on for the issue I was having. Ordered the part online for about $50. Comes with a new thermostat in it. It was a very easy part to replace. The good thing is the radiator drain plug at the bottom passenger side is easy to turn to drain the antifreeze out before pulling the hoses off. Also, people make sure that the surface where it attaches to the block is clean or it will not seal properly. Also, replace the O ring on the temperature sensor before putting it in the new part. It actually fixed more issues than I thought I was having. My shifting is now smoothed out and the A/C is actually running much cooler. Thank you for a great video!

[@brianclark6294]

Mine just did the exact same thing yesterday. What is the part called?

[@zone_vlogs7226]

​@@brianclark6294bro that's what I'm saying I'm tryna fix my stuff!!!

[@brianclark6294]

@zone_vlogs7226 it's called a thermostat housing and it was super simple to fix

[@zone_vlogs7226]

@@brianclark6294 thank you so much , I'm hoping this makes my heating work again aswell as fix the leak💪

[@godinezfer1906]

Thank you so much this is a fix a can definitely do solo. You saved me a trip to the mechanic. I got it for $40 !

[@jtlisto67]

Thanks for the video I have a 2003 Ford Explorer V6 139,000 miles. After watching went out and squeezed my upper radiator hose and sure enough I could hear the housing hiss from a small leak. I will be replacing this weekend with the Dorman Brand you mentioned.

[@josearellano3315]

James Ready don't used a door man

[@williamdaniels6943]

dorman is the best of the plastic. but i ordered a metal one. two many posts about the plastic goin bad again.

[@dpalombo983]

Thanks Brian. I wish I would have looked this up a long time ago. You nailed it. Had this issue with my 2008 Explorer. I suspected a leak a year ago but so slow I could never find it. Car finally overheated big time. Even with full coolant reservoir, radiator turned out to be bone dry. Will go with the metal replacement or a much better plastic aftermarket!

[@guzy1time135]

This JUST happened to me. I’m sitting in the truck now trying to find out what happened. Thanks for the help.

[@wawaflockaflame1244]

Awesome video brother man I know those engines are also in the rangers and v6 mustangs I don't know why though I was just more focused on the clarity of your video super clear looks good and very informational👌🏽👍🏽

[@JacobCain86]

I'm a few hundred miles away from home. Bout to replace this part. Thank you for your video.

[@nickschell2188]

2008 ford explorer, already replaced thermostat/housing after the thermostat broke. And replaced the coolant tank (had a crack) then drove for maybe 100 miles and sprung a leak somewhere new, seems towards the back of the engine.

[@Itsall2BaD]

Im having same issue. Have u figured out what urs was?

[@nickschell2188]

@@Itsall2BaD Mine ended up being just water leak, the drain hose from my AC was clogged and it finally all came out at once.

[@nickschell2188]

@@Itsall2BaD i also had to change my spark plugs after my thermostat blew. I developed a misfire on cylinder 2, but replacing the plugs fixed that

[@davidnadeau9460]

Rockauto sell rt1220 in aluminium one piece as a replacement of this housing

[@shawnlibby675]

Was there a part number the Box on that when you bought it

[@davidnadeau9460]

@@shawnlibby675 sk121259 skp or skrh144d

[@mastergrief3134]

mine took a shit on me today, thank you so god damn much for the video. it helps more than you think

[@jakemclaughlin9016]

this video helped me - also the metal unit is $39 on rockauto now!!

[@calvinpryor]

I need to change mine and I found an aluminum unit on Rock Auto but it's $94. Would you still happen to have the part # for this $39 unit? I have a 2010 Explorer so it's very possible that the part for your car would be cheaper, but just thought I would check.

[@jakemclaughlin9016]

@@calvinpryor it was just under the options, not sure. mine is an 03 4.0 v6

[@zone_vlogs7226]

What is the part name could you please help me , I have the same issue

[@Tom13892]

The fact that in any type of organization, company, corporation would let a component/product of this horribly calculated magnitude out of the brainstorming room or ever get multiple people agreeing that this design is/or ever was a good idea dampens my soul, and view on humanity. Actually mainly my view on Ford vehicles

[@rafaelcolon2031]

The simple videos are always the best, thanks brother ✌️

[@frankwalley]

Thank You for the video. I do have to say you have a lot more room than I do. My air plenum and throttle body are right on top of it. There's almost no room to get the clamps off. Hair pulling type of job but doable. 2004 Sport Trac XLT

[@ryanravencaller]

A burnt sweet smell is what we have! Look out for that smell and odds are this is your problem! Thank you! 2007 ford explorer 93k miles!

[@pierredelecto7069]

I think i have same issue! Whew. Maybe i dont have to drive it into the river and report it stolen!

[@LPModzOfficial]

Thanks for the video! I traced my leak to the back of this housing and wanted to see how common this problem was

[@paulwatson]

I replaced one of these with a Dorman... it also failed after about 3 months. But I bought it off of Amazon and it was under warranty so they sent a new one which has lasted 4 years or so however the thermostat included failed after 2 years.

[@Eastsidegeorgiaboy]

Thanks. This is indeed a poorly designed part. It should have been made of steel or aluminum. It took about 20 minutes to change out. I think this is the second time I've had to do it in 5 years. At least it's not too difficult to do. The most difficult part is getting the clamps off. The only other thing you would need to know is that you need to remove the electric sensor from your old unit and plug it into the new unit and you need to use the cotter pin from the old unit as well. You can also get these from AutoZone Advance Auto Parts and O'Reilly Auto Parts. They usually will have at least one in stock. But Rock Auto is great if you have the time.

[@tumeninodes8870]

all these motor companies, keep using cheaper and cheaper products, while charging more for the vehicles. and it you have issues later on, and they are common, it is greatly difficult to get them to be held accountable. And, these cheap parts are strangely usually very expensive (over priced) Just ridiculous, the whole thing... cars today are a scam.

[@JesusGodHolySpirit3]

You think Toyota is the same way now a days? I don't want a ford, but am checking out different options. I hate Ford

[@calvinjohnson4394]

Tumeni Nodes 0

[@Eastsidegeorgiaboy]

@@JesusGodHolySpirit3 all manufacturers do this nowadays. They can save money wow making money on cheaper parts that will need to be replaced more frequently. Today's vehicles are actually made very well, so well in fact that they have to use cheaper parts to get people into the shop more often. This goes across all manufacturers. They are also trying to make their cheaper products more durable oh, so that they can use those more.

[@SloejoeKC816]

Henry Ford once said "I'll give the cars away for free and make a killing off the maintenance"

[@dss3958]

Great video saved me a lot of time trying to find my leak replaced it and everything is good now!!

[@LarryDeSilva64]

Had exactly the same thing happened to my 2006 Ford Exploder the plastic failed and it leaked exactly in the same places. Come one really they couldn't make it out of aluminum or an alloy or even carbon fiber geez. Oh and I subscribed to your channel.

[@williamdaniels6943]

got metal ones on ebay about 79.00 for the whole thing.

[@junemanwell2621]

No wonder your moniker is Lucky Larry driving an Exploder!

[@frangre1]

Don't wait for no heat, check coolant level as you would oil level and other fluids.

[@vinman1029]

This is why ford has such a good track record.They never recall anything.Let's not forget about the 5- speed auto they put in these.

[@richardfiorentino3951]

Agreed !! My reverse is starting to miss ? Not sure what to call it but it seems something is not right … it goes in and out of reverse but seems to “slip” ??

[@DeanLeatherman]

Thank you, this is been driving me crazy!

[@hectorrzepeda2998]

This part caused my engine to overheat...now I have a blown head gasket...thanks Ford for making America great again

[@ruizj561]

It blew because you didn't pay attention to the car heating up not because of Ford

[@douglasb.1238]

If you don't check your coolant level regularly, your car will overheat because over time all the coolant will eventually leak out...I am unable to stop this leak and have replaced the plastic lower housing twice now! Just gotta to live with it I guess...

[@angelgjr1999]

Douglas B. hey man, I want to replace it too. I bought replacement part but the bolt holding lower housing is rusted. I can’t take the bolt out, any tips??

[@douglasb.1238]

@@angelgjr1999 you might try spraying some PB Blaster on it and let it sit for an hour or two. I finally got mine to stop leaking by applying a bead of that black RTV sealant all around the base of the housing and then tightened it back down. So far it's still good and no leaks . I did buy another upper housing though but thank goodness it's now ok. Good luck my friend ...

[@angelgjr1999]

Douglas B. Do you put RTV sealant on the bottom housing? I tried wd40 to loosen it but the bolts still stuck. Also, which way do you turn to take it out.... Thank you.

[@Dannyaudio69]

Nice video do u have one of the steps to taking this apart to get to this part im having same trouble with my explorer same spot there is coolant but i cant diagnose exactly where its coming from..but from this video its in the same spot as yours

[@tylerm778]

This saved my day!

[@snacktical533]

Alright. I feel so fucking stupid. I have been under my sport trac for over 3 hours now checking every seal and and hose and anything that might have cracked. Then i get desperate and. Come to youtube and i find this. Fucking life saver

[@adel0347]

Very helpful. Thank you Brian.

[@69sheilah]

I have 2004 Sport Trac have replaced or once last year and now I'm loosing antifreeze again.. well be checking this first....

[@user-yu8fj7gj2k]

The first mistake we made guys is buying a ford ..these things leak pretty quick sometimes not all of these leak slow . I'm replacing one again 3 in 5 years replace asap cause the longer you wait the more they will leak keep a chk on it even after you replace it they don't last long.

[@Gratefuldeadgriffin]

I fixed that and there’s still a small leak coming from under the fan wheel mount area I’m a novice do you know the name of that area and what I could possibly do to fix it cheaply? I unfortunately live in the car and it’s all I have. thank you for your time.

[@MiDNYTGoSPeL]

Thanks so much i swear i thought i was tripping

[@BaussHauggOutlawz]

Thanks for the vid 👍

[@manuel2296ableify1]

2005 mustang 4.0 i have a similar problem its leaking from there seems it is from the midle of this part you showing, but when i start the car and the temperature gauge is in the middle, it begins to leak from the end of the ac/(hot) Duct/tube sorry for my english is bad but i really need some help

[@hennysworld2382]

I have an 07 mustang same thermostat housing and engine. I got the car 7 years ago and I have to get a new one every year 🙄 I’m going to just get an aluminum one now

[@brianclark6294]

That's exactly what happened to mine yesterday man. What's that part called? It's not overheating or leaking water in the floorboards

[@enrique967]

Thanks so much for this. Super helpful!

[@roberto3151991]

Does this also apply to the 2nd Gen's 4.0L SOHC?

[@1peanut]

2002 sport trac 4x4. Getting oil in antifreeze slowly but not getting antifreeze in oil. Suggestions ?

[@Lu1ee]

Mine i guess came unglued from that part you said is glued, can I just glue it back together ??

[@thomasterrell834]

I just changed water pump in my 2003 ford explorer thinking that was it. Cuz water was coming from by it. But nope its something else thats close to it that i need figure out

[@glennmurphy9169]

Great video but I do have a question. When you discovered the leak was there any coolant on the ground underneath the vehicle or was it just in the engine compartment like you showed us in video. Please advise. Thanks

[@jaygates3479]

Actually it's on top of engine in small puddle, but will eventually leak down as puddle builds up.

[@timvest8141]

Buy the aluminum replacement. Don't think the temp sensors are universal. Connectors aredifferent.

[@ray_pridemore13]

Could you reply to this comment with the part number for the thermostat housing please?

[@rubalarora5499]

Hi, Is there any risk to Engine (Mercury Mountaineer 2008) or any other part if delay in replacement? Thanks in advance for your response

[@billparker8954]

these parts are notorious for leaking this whole 1:00 thing is plastic this is all 1:24 plastic this is a three piece unit there's 1:59 three plastic fins right here there's a 2:02 rubber what should be like a rubbery 2:07 gasket it's like rock hard and then 2:11 there's three fins here I think this universal part fits on 2:46 other models too so one of these two 2:49 goes for your sensor that is the outlet 2:55 and that goes into the engine block down 2:57 here and yeah this thing is just ninety 3:02 probably ninety percent of the four 3:04 liter engines a leak they 3:49 make metal replacements i really suggest 3:51 going for the middle one if you can 3:53 afford it but it's about a hundred and 3:55 seventy bucks it's a Dorman part I watched to the end twice, and still can't figure out what part this is. I want to order a new one, but what is it? I showed this clip to the clerk and he said "Tell me what it is, and I'll order you one." It's a 3 piece unit. It's a Doorman part They make metal replacements Jeeze, it's ok, I'll find a engine schematic instead. You went through all this trouble to help, why didn't you just say what you got to replace this coolant intersection?

[@AndrewIlies]

Helpful thanks man

[@alejandro6730]

Thank you.

[@gogobobo7]

Thank you! Saved me money

[@rayjones7216]

Brian What is the name of the part on this video ? I have a 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT with the same leak and would like to buy the metal replacement part Thanks

[@billparker8954]

It's frustrating. Even in the comments it's "I got one", "replaced mine", wtf is the proper name?

[@rockybalnoahh2859]

Does anyone have links for replacement?

[@nicanorm1069]

Good video, why 2 temperature sensor ???

[@Infanitunit1]

Hey also what if engine leaks oil on rear end of engine on right side and causes smoke from oil burning on manifold

[@johnmilner6505]

I'm having same issue..its your valve cover gasket..they are notorious for leaking after about 100k miles..drips right on the exhaust manifold..smokes..driver side is easy to replace passenger side is a pain in the ass..fyi..replace both if you can..

[@standingtall952]

Good. Mine leaking and can't find were at. So will look there. Thank you

[@larrymaldonado1027]

Amazing Amazon has it for under 50$ buck all aluminum with sensor but no thermostat Free information

[@RaidersRawesom15]

How about it was dumping coolant randomly out the exhaust and then started at the front on the engine. My problem it’s black oil mixed with coolant. I just had a oil change? But there’s coolant in the engine yes just with black oil.

[@RaidersRawesom15]

It’s a Eddie Bauer 4.0

[@wanteddeadoralive8798]

Mines slowly dripping out the thermostat housing under 20psi pressure tester, but pouring out the bottom left, would it be the thermostat only? Can’t see any other leaks

[@leslie7781]

I have a 1999 Ford explorer. Runs great BUT I had it leak ALL my antifreeze out. Idk what to do...so damn expensive to look into

[@medcare3020]

You are the Best!!

[@rdyma32]

My leak is right below the passengers seat. I'm hoping this will fix the issue since I cannot locate the leak.

[@michaelendichott2436]

did this issue cause the vehicle to smoke at all? or smell burnt? having an issue with my 2002 ranger. it was parked a month ago. put a new alternator in it today and noticed it had no coolant at all. replaced alternator, filled the radiator and reservoir. drove it and it immediately smelled like something burning and moderately had some white smoke from under the hood. smoke went away after a few minutes but still smelled burnt. drove for 40 minutes and when getting it back home started to smoke again. checked and didn't seem to lose any coolant. thoughts?

[@michaelendichott2436]

nevermind, posted before I read the description

[@Aboish1981nj]

Having the same issue with 02 exploder..

[@jorgeguevara8165]

Michael Endichott. hello Michael i have a 2002 ford explorer and it is leaking water. Now i know for sure it is not from the water pump since the water is draining from a rounded cap on the passenger side of the engine block

[@beanietaylor2958]

Michael show me a picture of a 4.0 the front of it picture of a 3.8 the front of the bellhousing

[@SPEEDFREAKMIAMICOM]

A little known problem is the plastic ENGINE TIMING Guide melts or disintegrates and messes EVERYTHING up. do an oil change and send your oil to oil testers to see if you have plastic in ur oil... u might even see the fragments.

[@devonpuryear7355]

I have a 99 exploder and I'll have to replace the housing or thermostat and hopefully just the thermostat with a bad gasket

[@user-jd4kp3lp9r]

2006 mustang 4 liter.leaking coolant.cant find where is coming from.its dripping on to starter.

[@craignehring]

2002 4.0 ranger, leaking below the radiator plastic cover/tray thing near where the cooler lines go in. Is the lower radiator seal failing? Truck is not seeing much use and has been sitting for a few months.

[@synakal]

Great video! Can you help me locate the metal one piece thermostat housing you mentioned? Can't find one.

[@williamdaniels6943]

got em on ebay partner

[@zzflak_jacketzz1937]

Did your check engine light come on?

[@xjgirlohio9289]

Some sound would be wonderful.... Mike and the wife from you tube??? Whisper, someone might hear you

[@papagreen7127]

Cool video , what’s the name of the part?

[@thafather414]

What is this part called please

[@johnmayhaw3789]

Need to no how to change heater hose line on top of MTR

[@rickyg4800]

Since 2003 had to replace it 4 times!!! 2003 sport trac

[@speakingtonganwiththetutuu8421]

I have the same problem but its leaking from where the sensor is can I change the whole housing or fix only the sensor?

[@rafaelcardona9865]

Que pena no tienen un vídeo de como reemplazar el houseng del termostato en una Ford Explorer 1998 . Ningunos de los vídeo pertenecen a mi auto. Liguea en la base del houseng. Si es posible un vídeo se lo agradecería. Gracias

[@angelgjr1999]

Which way to turn to undo the bolts on the bottom housing unit??

[@ByGraceIGo]

It would have been nice in your video what the part is called is it the thermostat housing? I have to know when I want to go buy the part or order it online.

[@williamdaniels6943]

yep thats what its called. but get the metal one. i ordered plastic didnt like it ordered metal on ebay.

[@SmoothHustle420]

What’s the part called?

[@brandon4020]

I have an 04 ford sport trac.. mine is leaking where the therm housing meets the cylinder head. Any idea if this could still be the therm housing or an I looking at a head gasket?

[@isabelleturtle7082]

Thanks for this, hopefully good karma for you for sharing this with the world

[@FT4Freedom]

This happens and then head gasket blows on overheat. Super common.

[@davidbrown9938]

Was leaking coolant from the bottom of radiator and it stopped

[@armandomunoz6518]

I have wear noise on 2004 ford sport truck can't fine closer to 4.0plastic shoh on bottom look inside spire!!! You now guys where come from...

[@seanjones2456]

Anybody know how much a shop will charge for this? I also heard you should replace with aluminium part. Any help?

[@ripbradley]

I know this video was a really long time ago but i have this same engine and i replaced this part and the puddle is still in the same area and eventually leaks onto the ground. Coolant level dropped a bit but not drastically enough to over heat. thanks if anyone sees this 2005 explorer xlt 4.0

[@alextorrero2183]

Did your coolant temperature sensor seal ?

[@E.J.61]

Can coolant leak into oil from water pump

[@bigmyri5293]

Get a new truck

[@douglasb.1238]

I have replaced mine twice, and guess what it still leaks! Poor design and materials used by Ford.

[@oscarreyes9355]

I replaced mine twice in just 1 year

[@isaiahmartinez2061]

What was the part number?

[@kevinwerner864]

My ranger is leaking water on passenger side by firewall, cant trace it. Any answers

[@mrschwifty5564]

Check the valve that is connected to the line going to the heater core.

[@latinluchaworld7854]

My part was mess up just like this but now the hoes is leaking the one going to radiator

[@michaelbelcher9926]

Go to a junk yard I got one for 20$ and it works perfect

[@TheBosslaady14]

my 4.0 mustang does the same shit I replaced that bitch like 3 Times in 2 years I'm going to get the metal one soon

[@v3Gamingg]

Anyone know the name of this part

[@Edgarduenas214]

Were do i find the whole piece in metal?

[@angelgjr1999]

Cowboys Nation Maybe eBay? I bought original plastic piece, i wish I known that they sell metal version. Why the fuck did Ford use plastic to house the HOTTEST part of the engine bay? Ffs Ford...