Water Outlet Repair?

[Lessons_learned]

A word to the wise, do use a torque wrench when replacing the thermostat. I did not and I broke the water outlet, or the piece that the upper radiator hose connects directly to. This is on a 1991. Does anyone know the number of an equivalent water outlet part from another vehicle or some equivalent repair technique? Ford obsoleted this part. If worse comes to worst it looks like one could be fashioned out of a galvanized ****** and a short length of galvanized pipe. Would that work?

I also have a wanted to buy post on the same issue, but I hope that the mods can let this post stay here since it is about repair.

Best,

Steven

 

[Rockledge]

I learned that hard lesson a long time ago in the same cruel manner. This was back when I was younger and too cheap (and broke) to buy a decent torque wrench.

I now use a torque wrench on virtually everything engine-related if I can find specs for it. (I actually own 2 torque wrenches now, and could even use a third...)

 

[rlw001]

I have the entire assembly if you are interested.

 

[Lessons_learned]

possibility

It looks like the outlet for a 3.8L Taurus has the same gasket pattern, so this might work. Does anyone know for sure?

 

[Off Road SHO]

I don't think any of the SHOs used gaskets on their thermostat housing/ radiator hose connector. They use an O-ring on the thermostat outer ring which is squished in a recess in the housing and base, IIRC.

In any case, if you can match the bolt pattern and surface area with another thermostat housing, say from a 3.8L, you might get lucky. It doesn't have to have the long neck like the SHO ones, just get a longer radiator hose.

Good luck.

Tom

 

[Lessons_learned]

Got it

Thought I would followup for anyone who might pull this thread up with a search. The 3.8L does not work. It is too large. The guys at the parts house went through the shelves of water outlets and pulled one for an unknown vehicle that was about the correct size. Then the machinist at the parts house machined the bolt holes to the proper width. They are 2 5/8 inches apart. Works perfectly.