Yea i know its a noob question. But what exactly is this? I know it has something to do with my temperature in the truck becuase it was acting a little wierd and when I popped the hood it was smoking from there.

 

flux capacitor

 

lol

 

that would be a thermostat

 

Im guessing thats bad then if it was smoking from there? I mashed on the gas for 5secs and smelt antifreeze instantly..

 

sounds like it is stuck open

 

wouldnt it be stuck closed if it was leaking from there?

 

The SOHC has a plastic thermostat housing. You found yours.

They are known to crack and leak.

Might as well plan on replacing the upper and lower intake manifold gaskets, since the intake has to come off to replace that housing.

Here's a good look at it: Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"® - View Single Post - 98 SOHC Cold Start Idle problem

 

Intake does not have to come off, just the throttle body and TB cover. I've taken mine out at at least 3 times w/o taking off the intake, there is clearance. It's tight, but it can be done.

 

Yeah it was deff cracked and just gushing coolant. Gay.

 

The damage!!