Heat kind sucks

[Mv7fd]

I will look into that thanks. So what does a coolant bypass hose do

 

[AndyB.]

When the thermostat is closed, water still circulated through the heads and intake via the bypass circuit (through the heater core too). When the engine warns and the thermostat opens, water flows through the radiator and the thermostat closes off the bypass flow. The coolant either flows through the radiator or the bypass, depending on thermostat position.

The thermostats for these are somewhat unique, Motorcraft RT-1039, or Ford E3TZ-8575-C. I'd go on eBay and compare the one you have to that. If you have one that looks like RT-252/D4ZZ-8575-A, it won't close off the bypass correctly.

I have a NOS RT-1036 I can send you, if needed.

 

[AndyB.]

I just checked rockauto, and every thermostat they listed for an 83 or 84 2.8 is of the incorrect design.

When you fill the coolant back up after draining, you have to disconnect the upper radiator hose and you'll pour a lot of it into the engine through there. With the low thermostat, the coolant passage will be dry until ther thermostat opens.

 

[Mv7fd]

I bought mine from napa and didn't have any trouble. I found my last leak which part is threaded the water pump or the rear thermostat housing the threads are gone so I can only tighten two of the the bolts

 

[AndyB.]

Here is the rear thermostat housing

http://www.rearcounter.com/E3TZ-8592-J-parts255895.html

It would be a good idea to install the correct thermostat.

 

[Mv7fd]

So the rear housing is what is threaded? Can I just tap it same size or one size bigger

 

[AndyB.]

You're probavly not going to be able to go bigger, since the bokt goes through the front thermostat housing and front cover without much clearance. You could probably use a helicoil, but if probably just spend $20 on a new housing.

 

[drsvox]

I didn't search well enough (didn't realize the rear housing was still available) and so just used a bolt long enough to thread a nut and lock washer on the back side...can be tricky because of the tight space, but so far no leaks...