I have a 2004 Ford Ranger @WD. The therostat is stuck open and needs to be replaced. I have been told by a Ford shop mechanic taht we willhave to replace the whole housing at a cost of $250+? Does that sound right? Can I not just take the hosing cover off andreplace the thermostat and put on new gaskets and be done? The cost would be about $50 right?

SOURCE: Replace thermostat in 2000 ford ranger

the open pipe that you took the hose off of is the thermostat housing, you will need to remove this to reveal the thermostat, make sure you use a new gasket with sealant when reinstalling thermostat housing to prevent leaks and dont over tighten the bolts,run both bolts down as far as you can before final tightning

SOURCE: 98 ford ranger 4 cylinder.

Just did this today on my 2000 4 cyl. It was a pain.

First off drain the radiator. There is a piece that sticks out at the bottom on the radiator on the drivers side. Put a large container under it and unscrew the white-ish plastic bolt to release the fluid. Make sure the radiator cap is opened to let it drain quicker. Then remove the top hose. The thermostat housing is at the end of the radiator hose on the engine. There is a bolt on the upper right, right up against the belt shroud for the camshaft. There is one more under the housing to the left. You pretty much have to feel for it. There is not much space to work with so I removed the fan (4 bolts) wiggle it off. To remove the fan you also have to remove the shroud to get it off. No problem just two bolts. This should give you plenty of room to work with. Then remove the housing and exchange parts. Replace the gasket (its a small rubber o ring. Mine looked fine so I left it, but I did put a bead of silicon around it just in case. Reverse the steps and add fluid back to the system.

SOURCE: Bublling in the thermostat housing and very hot upper radiator hose

I recommend flushing the radiator thoroughly if not done recently. there seems to be some sort of blockage in the radiator at this time. if you get lots of metal fragments that are flushed out during this flush, i will then recommend a rebuild on the radiator or replacement of the radiator. make sure the cooling fans are cycling on time as well.

SOURCE: How to replace right front turn signal on a '97 Ford Taurus

If you are just replacing the bulb, then it is accessable from the engine compartment with minimal effort. You may have to remove the battery or any other movable object right behind the headlight, but in a lot of cases, even that is not necessessary. Look at the rear of your headlights (through the engine compartment) and on the far side twards the fender (where the turn signal should be) there will be a wire running into it. At the point of where the wire meets the casing there should be some type of clip. You just rotate the clip about 1/4 turn or less and it will release the clip with bulb attached. Then push, twist, and release on the bulb to get it out of it's socket. Installation is reverse of removal.l

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SOURCE: How do I replace the valve cover gaskets for a

The valve covers installed on the 3.0L engine incorporate integral (built in) gaskets which should last the life of the vehicle. Replacement gaskets are available if required.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Disconnect the ignition wires from the spark plugs, but leave them attached to their wire looms.
2. Remove the ignition wire separators from the rocker arm cover attaching bolt studs with the wires attached, then lay the wires out of the way.
3. If the left hand cover is being removed, remove the throttle body assembly, the PCV valve and fuel injector harness stand-offs. If the right hand cover is being removed, remove the engine harness connectors, fuel injector harness stand-offs and air cleaner closure hose from the oil fill adapter.
4. Using caution, slide a sharp thin blade knife between the cylinder head gasket surface and the valve cover gasket at the four RTV junctions. CUT ONLY THE RTV SEALER AND AVOID CUTTING THE INTEGRAL GASKET.
5. Remove the integral gasket from the valve cover gasket channel. Note bolt/stud fasteners locations before removing gasket for correct installation. Clean gasket channel and remove any traces of RTV sealant.

1. Align fastener holes, lay new gasket onto channel and install by hand. Install gasket to each fastener, seat fastener against cover and at the same time roll gasket around fastener collar. If installed correctly all fasteners will be secured by gasket and not fall out.
2. Install valve cover to the engine, lightly oil all bolts and stud threads. Apply a bead of RTV sealant at the cylinder head to intake manifold rail step (two places per rail).
3. Place the valve cover on the cylinder head and install attaching bolts and studs. Tighten the attaching bolts to specifications.

1. Install all remaining components in reverse order of removal procedure. Connect the ignition wires to the spark plugs and reconnect the negative battery cable. Start the engine and run to normal operating temperature, then check for oil and vacuum leaks.