Can't identify this part in the cooling system (PIC included)

[vincedia]

This is attached to the block just below where the thermostat is. It has a temperature sensor screwed into the top and it "had" a nipple on the bottom for a host that ran to the coolant return hose.

The nipple coroded and was spitting coolant all over my engine compartment. I thought it was the water pump so I replaced that. The ford dealer gave me some BS line about having to buy a new thermo housing to get that part, but that just can't be true.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!
Vince

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

just looks like a standard plumbing T to me. it should unscrew from the lower intake. any plumbing/hardware store should be able to offer a brass replacement.. you might have to grab a few adaptors and whatnot if you cant find the exact right size "T".

 

[vincedia]

This little block has room for the temp sender unit and a non threaded nipple on the other side. I can't find anything like it anywhere.

I don't even know what to call it.

I can't believe this piece does not exist.


Vince

 

[robbieo11]

what is it on engine wise i have like 3 4.0's here
also did u remove it ind trying to reseal them is teflon tape?? or is the unit rotten

 

[srteach]

junkyard... or adapt it out from the hardware store.

 

[vincedia]

It was rotten. The tube or nipple on the lower side is not threaded in, so replacement means rigging it.

It is an octagon shape part screwed in to the lower part of the housing where the thermostat goes. It has a 3/8 screw into that housing and the temperature sending unit screws into the top with a 3/8 thread.

The bottom nipple that is missing connects to a hose that goes to the lower coolant return hose.

The orange arrow is where the part I need screws into. My engine is a 3.0L

 

[snoopdoggie]

Could you drill the corroded nipple out and tap new female threads into the hex part? How thick is the wall of the hex part? Then just get a hose adapter to screw into the new threads.

 

[Bill G]

What engine and year is that for?
I'm sure the part can be found, you just have to find a parts guy who will look for you. I know a guy who probably can help.

 

[vincedia]

We are working on tapping the old part now, problem is the pressure and heat might give me a problem down the line. It's thick, but on a strange angle so it fits. If the pipe (nipple) is too long or at the wrong angle you can't screw it in without removing a TON of junk on the front. If I have to I will.

It is a 98 3.0L 4x4 with AC.


Vince

 

[robbieo11]

that or bust out the mig or tig welder

 

[Bill G]

Vince, can you post a picture of just the nipple?

 

[vincedia]

the nipple is trashed. You won't be able to recognize it. It is about 1" long with a bulge on the end for a hose to fit. It is about 3/8 OD.

Made from a very thin metal, looks like it might have been pressed into the octagon block.

Hope that helps.

EDIT: I can't even find a picture of this thing on the net...best I got was the missing part on the block picture.

 

[snoopdoggie]

We are working on tapping the old part now, problem is the pressure and heat might give me a problem down the line. It's thick, but on a strange angle so it fits. If the pipe (nipple) is too long or at the wrong angle you can't screw it in without removing a TON of junk on the front. If I have to I will.

It is a 98 3.0L 4x4 with AC.


Vince

I good pipe thread will hold the pressure and heat generated by any auto engine. The temp sender depends on one. They do make 90 degree fittings that might eliminate your clearance problem.

 

[vincedia]

That is what we're hoping. Going to try to tap this for a piece of 3/8 threaded pipe then run a bead around the pipe to prevent leaks and breakage. The problem with the tap is the angle.

Can't use a 90 or a 45. They both will hit the belt or the pulley bracket. straight pipe not on the right angle will hit the AC line and not let the return hose connect to it. If the angle is too great the hose can't plug in because of the part next to it.

Fun stuff!

 

[Bill G]

Vince, are you in a huge hurry for the part? If you can wait until tomorrow evening I might be able to get you a new one. I ordered the one pictured for my truck and I paid $16 for it. Of course it's not exactly like yours but I'm pretty sure I can get the right one.