Just aquired an 02 edge 4.0, it has developed a coolant leak. I thought it was the water pump, turns out its the thermostate housing. I hve the housing loose now but cant seem to remove it. Does the intake manifold have to come out to remove this housing? The housing is leaking at the base where it sits on the engine. It looks like it might have been leaking for a while. Should this housing be replaced. The truck has 175,000 miles. Never been flushed, has original hoses. I have new hoses and a belt and a new thermostate to go in once this is figured out. Need to get this back together to get back to work, thanx

 

this place is weak,

 

Yes, the intake does have to come out to replace the housing.

Might as well replace those upper and lower intake gaskets while you are at it ($18ish).
They cause a lot of CELs, codes P0171, P0174.

Don't let it scare you, it's not that bad of a job. I do like to remove the hood when I do them though. The bolts can be very difficult to locate if you aren't familiar with the installation. Here's a good write-up: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...4&postcount=33

 

Thank you Earl. Just removed the housing by removing the 2 senders on it and removing the pully directly to the front of it , the one with the bearing. The housing slid right out. That pully will also be replaced due to the bearing being noisy. looking at the housing, it seems it was leaking from the top, not the bottom. Wondering if I should just get a new housing, its just plastic and has lasted 175,000 miles. Appreciate the response big time.

 

Earl, just read ur sig. I had a 1990 4x4 ranger from new, xlt extra cab, white. Had it 13 years, wish I still had it. 6 inch lift with 33,s and 4,11s with an auburn. What a great truck except for the weak 2.9. Almost put a 4.0 into it in the end but life took a mean turn and I sold it.