4.6 thermostat housing problem

If all else fails, and it breaks, you could always pull off the intake yourself(if you are at all handy mechanicly). These intakes are among the easiest to remove/install. I have changed probably about 10 or so intakes and t-stats on the 96-97 4.6Ls with the plastic intake and I have never broken a bolt. They do go into aluminum so they do get stuck. I think your chances are very slim that it will break. GL

Thanks Scott:

exactly what is that black plastic piece under the thermostat goose neck? Does it enclose an aluminum part or is it part of the intake manifold?

Thanks aga>

If it is like the 97 4.6 it is the manifold. The whole manifold is plastic. Look at the rest of the manifold, is it black? tap it with your finger nail, does it sound like plastic? Im sure it is. Be very careful when installing the new t-stat, there is probably just an o-ring that you just squish a bit to seel it up. It doesnt need to be super tight. Is it overheating or leaking? If it is leaking you might have a crack in the manifold-very common.

No it is not leaking. The temp sometimes does not come up on the heat guage as it should (often sits on zero or slightly above) and other times it will come up to a little less than halfway. Fluid is level is O.K and it is not air locked. The heater does heat alright though. The thermostat bolts have never been touched and are tight right from the factory. I am beginning to think I should just forget about it.

Thanks for the help

Wayne

Scott M wrote:

================================= Sounds like the t-stat is stuck open. It really should be fixed. Unless it is a gauge problem, the way it is now you are never getting up to proper operating temp.