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Hey not sure if this is the right forum for this but I have a 2008 2.3L ranger that has a coolant leak coming from the water outlet behind the thermostat. I cannot seem to find any info on how to replace this / what part it is, it seems to be attached to the block and not apart of the thermostat housing. I took it to a local mechanic and they couldn't figure it out either after 2 weeks. I thought THIS might be the part but from the attached picture of what's on my truck it doesn't seem like that would fit. Any help would be appreciated!
That is part of the heater bypass/coolant bypass system.
There is no OEM replacement for that part, and you are correct, it is "part of the block". It is a steel 90 degree tube that is press fit into the block.
If it is broken, Id suggest cutting the tube off, or carefully removing the tube and its base. Then tap the housing carefully with either a NPT or ORB fitting (if you can get the block surface pretty clean and flat) and then attaching a 90 to it. You could use a series of fittings like a NPT->AN/JIC male fitting, connected to a AN 90 with a BARB on the end. You might be able to find a different fitting that will work better, but you'd have to experiment and do some research to see what course of action would be right for you.
That particular fitting/hose connects to the water neck on the back of the engine. It is supposed to be part of the bypass system, which is supposed to help with water stagnation, and aid the engine coolant warm-up time.
That is part of the heater bypass/coolant bypass system.
There is no OEM replacement for that part, and you are correct, it is "part of the block". It is a steel 90 degree tube that is press fit into the block.
If it is broken, Id suggest cutting the tube off, or carefully removing the tube and its base. Then tap the housing carefully with either a NPT or ORB fitting (if you can get the block surface pretty clean and flat) and then attaching a 90 to it. You could use a series of fittings like a NPT->AN/JIC male fitting, connected to a AN 90 with a BARB on the end. You might be able to find a different fitting that will work better, but you'd have to experiment and do some research to see what course of action would be right for you.
That particular fitting/hose connects to the water neck on the back of the engine. It is supposed to be part of the bypass system, which is supposed to help with water stagnation, and aid the engine coolant warm-up time.
If its just to aid with coolant warm up would i be able to cap off that line and run without it?
No, it would cause overheating
"By-pass" in an engine cooling system is a bit misnamed, lol
"Alternate flow when thermostat is closed" would be its long name
Radiator flow is used most of the time when an engine is running, i.e. after the first 5 minutes of drive time
But before that coolant still needs to be circulated thru the whole engine, the "by-pass" hoses are a certain size based on water pump flow, so when thermostat does open most of the coolant will flow thru radiator...................but some coolant still needs to circulate thru the "alternate path" or a "HOT SPOT" will develop in the engine
If you look at it in another way
Cold engine, closed thermostat, engine running, coolant is now circulating thru the Primary Cooling system
Once thermostat starts to open it is By-passing Primary cooling system, so radiator is the "by-pass"
Should you cap off radiator since its just a "by-pass"?
No, it would cause overheating
"By-pass" in an engine cooling system is a bit misnamed, lol
"Alternate flow when thermostat is closed" would be its long name
Radiator flow is used most of the time when an engine is running, i.e. after the first 5 minutes of drive time
But before that coolant still needs to be circulated thru the whole engine, the "by-pass" hoses are a certain size based on water pump flow, so when thermostat does open most of the coolant will flow thru radiator...................but some coolant still needs to circulate thru the "alternate path" or a "HOT SPOT" will develop in the engine
If you look at it in another way
Cold engine, closed thermostat, engine running, coolant is now circulating thru the Primary Cooling system
Once thermostat starts to open it is By-passing Primary cooling system, so radiator is the "by-pass"
Should you cap off radiator since its just a "by-pass"?
I always found it funny that they called them "by-pass" systems
