[2001_zx2]

My Wifes 2001 zx2 has been dripping from the lower temp sensor (one that controls the gauge inside).

i pulled it today and replaced the O-ring, but that didnt fix it...

I had replaced the PLASTIC thermostat housing last year because the original had cracked. Not sure what brand i bought but it was off rockauto.

Is there any way I can put the SOHC style of aluminum thermostat housing on this car instead of the plastic style it has now??

The thread in temp sensors and aluminum construction seems a much better design.

Probably spent 4 hours on it today and i think the stupid thing just wasnt made right so the sensor is loose in there or something.

This is the kind it has in now:

This is the kind id love to swap it with:

Thanks!

 

[pextor]

No. Go to the junkyard and get a 98 style housing, they were metal. I think you have to change the sensors to the 98 style too.

There should be a thread on here about it if you search.

 

[2001_zx2]

No. Go to the junkyard and get a 98 style housing, they were metal. I think you have to change the sensors to the 98 style too.

There should be a thread on here about it if you search.

Ill call around the local junkyards. I am working out of phone service so have a real hard time making phone calls during business hrs during the week.

If i cant find one out there in a yard, will this work?

Ebay aluminum thermostat housing

 

[Apex]

That is from Massive Speed Systems and will work, @OvalSports said if you contact them directly they will drill and tap the second sensor port for the ZX2's sensor.

Original post Zetec aluminum Tstat Housing

 

[marclar]

the bolt pattern is different. and unfortunately trying to find a 98 specific housing is going to be near impossible. fords solution in that era was... PLASTIC EVERYTHING, attempting to raise billable hours for service, and parts in the coming years. un-ford-chunately thats about the time when ford forgot how to build an engine.

 

[2001_zx2]

I went to my local junkyard and they have yards all over this state and ajoining states. Closes '98 is 1.5 hrs away and they could not confirm whether or not they actually have the housing lol. I may try that one off ebay and have them drill and tap for the 2nd sensor. Kinda expensive but Id have to take time off work to drive to yards looking for one.

 

[ZX(2)002]

Did you try replacing the whole temperature sender and not just the o-ring? And are you using OEM clips or just any old clip? I was having issues with mine leaking from the coolant sensor on top and temp sender on the bottom, replaced the housing and both sensor and it seems to be doing well. I think my sensors weren't fitting well and using random or aftermarket clips wasn't helping my situation either.

 

[JPaulV]

I went to my local junkyard and they have yards all over this state and ajoining states. Closes '98 is 1.5 hrs away and they could not confirm whether or not they actually have the housing lol. I may try that one off ebay and have them drill and tap for the 2nd sensor. Kinda expensive but Id have to take time off work to drive to yards looking for one.

If they have the housing, make sure it is not perforated, doesn't have holes where there are not to be any holes. Then when you change it do a cooling system flush and put in new antifreeze and distilled water. Or splurge and get the correct metal housing, but also flush the cooling system. The correct antifreeze and water mixture should protect the various metals used in the engine. Doesn't Rock Auto have the part?

 

[JPaulV]

If they have the housing, make sure it is not perforated, doesn't have holes where there are not to be any holes. Then when you change it do a cooling system flush and put in new antifreeze and distilled water. Or splurge and get the correct metal housing, but also flush the cooling system. The correct antifreeze and water mixture should protect the various metals used in the engine. Doesn't Rock Auto have the part?

Do an online order. You don't have to drive 3 hours. Just make sure they will allow a return if it is perforated from corrosion. If they will not go some place else or buy the expensive one..

 

[4cylinder]

the 98 version of the thermostat housing is made of plastic, not metal. The difference is that it is made of better plastic than the newer version. It is less prone to breakage and uses screw in sensors.