Hi all,

About a year ago I developed a leak due to warpage of the water outlet housing located near the alternator. The lower radiator hose as well as i believe a heater hose attached to this part. Last year I think I referred to it as the thermostat housing since that what it resembled to me. Old school guy!

Back in the old days, these were always made from aluminum material and lasted many years. This part is made from what appears to be plastic injected molded material. Anyway I have another coolant leak coming from the same part and have been informed it has also warped after one year and 3,000 miles. Geez.

Does anyone know if there is a metal housing available as a replacement?

Many thanks. Jim

 

There is not. Given the fact that these things fail so regularly, one would think there would be a ready market for such a thing if it is possible to manufacture it economically. There's a business opportunity there for somebody.

 

Yeah, I figured as much. Bummer. Thanks Dcotter....

 

I know it is ashame, I just had to replace mine due to the top separating from the base. it would be nice to see an aluminum one.

 

Maybe one could be made using a 3D printer. Anybody got one of those laying around?

 

I suppose I could have my companies 8 man machine shop department lay one out on our auto cad and machine some out of a block of 6061 aluminum or perhaps stainless on the 5 axis router. Let's see. One piece price $2500.00. Two to five $1750.00. Ten to ?? $1250.00. Any takers? Ha...ha.

 

Gee, I wonder if that's why Chrysler decided to make it out of plastic in the first place?


Cheap SOB's.

 

Back on track I'm assuming they thought the composite plastic would hold up to the heat.

You should have seen the 11 month old (2,800 mile) thermostat housing that was just replaced. It had an 1/8 inch warp deflection on the mounting surface, similar to the last one replaced last December. I know the last two housings were purchased at Autozone for about $18.00. I was fortunate that my mechanic (who also sold me the car) only charged me $80.00 parts and labor.

Next question. I'm wondering if the original Chrysler housing is of better quality than the replacements sold at part stores? If so and its three/four times more expensive it would be the way to go if the SOB lasts 30,000 miles instead of what I've been going through.

 

Dorman makes one. They are a fairly big name in auto parts and might be a little better quality. It's about $40 at RockAuto Parts on the web. I haven't had problems with mine (knock wood) after a couple of years but the temp sensor seems to read a little low on the dash.