Thermosat Housing

[JMichel]

Hi everyone, I've tried using the search to find any sort of help or previous post but didn't have any luck. I was changing my cam seals so i had to remove the coolant tee or hose tee what ever its called to get the timing belt cover off. But when i was done and started to put everything back together i noticed the lower bolt that holds the tee to the thermostat housing (Not sure if this is what it is called, Its the elbow with a sensor that is connected to it) was not tightening as if it is stripped. i also noticed that the bolt at the top is of a larger diameter. could the top one have been stripped also and just re threaded and replaced with a larger bolt? what can i do to fix this? would i need to get a new thermostat housing? or can i just find a way to re thread the lower one just like the top one possibly could have been? I posted some pictures below to give a better idea of what i'm talking about. Thanks guys in advanced, i really appreciate the help.

Here is the part that is stripped


Here is the same part at the different view


and here is the tee

[So Cal Mark]

both of those bolts should be the same size. It's a common problem for those to strip. Either get a new water outlet or install a thread insert to repair it. BTW, your tee looks very eroded due to electrolysis. I'd replace that also to make sure your hoses seal.

[majicwrench]

Yup, Marks right, get a thread repair kit from any auto parts store, follow directions.
Keith

[So Cal Mark]

once it's repaired or replaced, use antiseize on the bolt threads

[JMichel]

Thanks for the reply, thats good news. Is there all sorts of repair bits that come in the kit for that, how would i be able to find the right size to use? thanks again, shes been my daily driver so i've been having to rely on "old faithful", (Sticks oversized thumb out) gave "the leg" a try, but for some reason people seem to speed up when they drive by me..

[baltobernie]

You want to WALK in SoCal They'll cart you off to the asylum!

One of my enduring memories of Irvine is the sight of motorists twelve deep at the drive-thru window, on a 72F day and gasoline at $5

[mbouse]

aren't they just used to waiting in line there? that's what i've heard.

[manoa matt]

Is the blue wire with the black stripe your hood prop?

I have several non corroded "T" pieces if you are interested.

[JMichel]

yup it is mark actually put it there as a temporary solution but i haven't figured out how to install the prop i got. sure pm me some more info on the tees, i'm an intern and living on a stipend so any help is much appreciated.

[manoa matt]

"Mark actually put it there as a temporary solution" At least he used a "Fiat" wire. I hope when you close the hood you don't let that wire flop down near the cooling fan, V belt, and timing belt. The next time you open the hood may be to install a new engine.

[BurbankJalopy]

Wow, there must be a thermostat housing sabotuer out there because I repaired that exact same problem, same bolt this weekend on my car too! It was very easy to fix - basically you have to rethread the stripped hole using thread inserts aka heli coil. I'd say fix the threads before you get a new outlet housing, because replacing a crusty old housing can open up a can of worms, and you'll need a gasket for that as well.

To get the drill level enough to drill it out, I had to take out my radiator. You can leave the fan bolted to the radiator and the lower hose attached to the radiator and just lift it of the car. Make sure you take a pick and dig out any junk stuck deep in the hole, that is what indirectly did mine in.

My car has M6 1.0 type bolts, yours are probably the same size but just bring one with you and they can measure it at the parts store to be sure. The thread inserts were about 5 $, and the tap was a disposable quality set that was only 7 $ for several sizes. There is a fancy 29$ set at the parts store where the only difference is that you get a 'tool' to install the threads...I made the tool myself by cutting a slot like the one in the 'tool'. If you have a drill, you're all set to go. From my experience I suggest Kragen/Oreilly or maybe Auto Zone, as the guys there seem to know more about working on cars than Pep Boys.

[JMichel]

awesome i'll give it a try tomorrow, the sooner i can get this fixed the better.

[spiderrey]

Personally, I would drill and tap it out to the next size bolt and have something solid.

[JMichel]

Just got home...that thread insert sure did the trick its definitely been an interesting night...it ended with some drunk guy falling asleep on the trunk of my car and me driving it off a 2 foot ledge...sigh..yeah i'm ready for bed thanks for the help guys!

[donerehart]

This just happened to me...once again...this website is a great gift to all of us!
Thanks!
Don