How to Deal with Coolant Leaks from the Thermostat Housing
The thermostatic housing has a lower component discussed inside the vehicle, but you can quickly see that there is a leak. What is the purpose of the thermostatic housing? Also, why does leaks occur?
In this guide you will be deeply immersed in the functionality and location of the thermostatic housing. They also look at the cause of the leak and show you what is expensive to replace. Finally, here are some simple steps to replace the thermostatic housing yourself.
Thermostat housing function
The thermostatic housing holds the thermostatic and can be independent or integrated, depending on the vehicle type. Recks are usually due to damaged or cracked housing, failure to seal, or exposure to extreme temperatures.
The cooling system is designed to allow the engine to operate at the highest temperatures and thus avoid overheating. The coolant and water are sent through the engine block and the stove is removed. This liquid is supervised by a water pump driven by a serpentine belt. To determine how much coolant is transmitted, the thermostat must read the temperature and decide whether to open or close the system.
If the engine is cool or operates under normal operating temperatures, the thermostat will remain closed. With a closed thermostat, the coolant circulates into the engine, but not back into the cooler. However, as soon as the engine gets too hot the thermostat opens and the coolant can return to a cooler that drops the temperature. The thermostatic housing holds the thermostatic in place. It has no purpose other than to hold the thermostat when necessary for proper operation.
Thermostat Residence
The thermostat tends to be located where the car’s top cooling hose is connected to the cooling passages along with the intake manifold. Most of the time you can find it near the water pump, but it can also be found on some car models with the lower hose.
There are several vehicles with two thermostats, especially diesel trucks. In any case, the thermostatic housing includes this part. This is the area with the thermostat.
Thermostat Housing – Causes of Leck
1.. Damaged/Trapped Home
Most often, the thermostat will be damaged or cracked, so you will lick it. Most housings are made of plastic or metal, but they are not indestructible.
The housing can be damaged because the mechanics installing or replacing it have too much torque in the screws. As soon as the home is damaged, the coolant licks the problem.
2. Default sticker
The housing also includes a seal or seal to ensure a safe fit. Like seals and seals, the material decreases over time. First, only a small amount of penetration can be noticed. If the damage worsens, the coolant will leak even more.
3. Exposure to extreme temperatures
Considering the thermostatic housing is the cause of circulation coolant, we can assume that it can handle high temperatures. This applies to certain points.
However, if the engine overheats, the housing is subject to heat that should not be addressed. The housing can damage this excess heat, leading to leakage.
How to replace the thermostatic housing
1. Prepare the area
Before you start repairs, you want to prepare your area. Park on a flat surface and make sure the parking brake is on to secure the vehicle. You also need to collect all the tools and supplies you need (coolant) in advance. This simple step reduces the time to use the equipment when needed.
2. Cool motor
It is important to adjust the engine before continuing. The engine must be fully cooled before moving forward. If you’re on the go, you may need to sit in the car for an hour. Pop the bonnet and come back when it’s time to continue. If you’re not driving, you should be able to start right away.
3. Empty the coolant
Some vehicles have coolant drainage stops at the bottom of the cooler. If drains make the coolant more comfortable before the entire process. Use a bucket to collect coolant.
However, there are many models that do not require this step and do not stop drainage. Therefore, it is important to read the service manual before continuing.
4. Remove the thermostatic housing screw
Most housings have two screws that keep everything in place. Remove these screws with the help of a plug-in key. You can also use an adjustable crescent key. This tool helps you put pressure on where you need it without having to take your hands out.
5. Remove the thermostatic housing
As soon as the screws are removed, you should be able to lose your home without much effort. Pull the house straight up and take it off.
If you are not draining coolant at a drain stop, don’t forget to remove the thermostatic housing to release more coolant. Place a large bucket below to avoid spilling coolant on the floor. The coolant is toxic.
Check seals while in the home. If there are any signs of wear or damage, the seals should also be replaced. Some people do this to do this, even if the stickers look like they are in great shape.
6. Clean surface
Before installing the home, I would like to clean the area where it is installed. There should be no residual trunks or contaminants between the two. In this case, the leak can continue even after repair.
You can use the engine carrier to remove the entire old seal. Before installing the new housing, make sure all clean residue is removed.
7. Install New Housing
Put the new housing in its position and tighten the bolts carefully. You don’t want to overtighten these bolts or you could cause the new housing to break. Additionally, you may need to put coolant in the reservoir to get the levels back up to normal.
Then you need to bleed the coolant system, which can be quite difficult. Use a repair manual or this guide: How to Bleed Your Cars Cooling System (9 Easy Steps)
Your next step is to take the vehicle for a test drive. Pay close attention to the temperature gauge. Once you get the vehicle back, you should also look at the housing to see if there are any apparent leaks. If it is still leaking, the problem could be a gasket that wasn’t put in properly during the installation.
Can you drive with a cracked thermostat housing?
No. It is not recommended to drive with a cracked thermostat housing. A cracked thermostat housing will in most cases leak, and this can cause your engine to lose coolant and overheat. An overheated engine can quickly become irreparably damaged.
How long should a thermostat housing last?
Thermostat housings are built to last the life of the car. However, many thermostat housings are made of plastic or metals that will wear out over time. You can expect a thermostat housing to last at least 10 years in most car models.
Why would a thermostat housing crack?
A thermostat housing is in most car models made of plastic or metal. If it is made of plastic, it will wear down over time due to the heat. If it is made of metal, it may begin to corrode over time and crack.
Can you replace a car thermostat yourself?
Replacing the thermostat is a fairly simple job in most car models. However, properly bleeding the cooling system to prevent damage afterward is the difficult part. However, with the right tools and a good repair manual, it is possible for almost anyone.
