Dorman 902-1010 Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing

Curated from 68 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: December 5, 2024

Dorman 902-1010 Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing

Brand: Dorman
Price: $7
Snoop Score:
6.7
Sentiment
6.9
Popularity
7.7
Technical
5.6

Snoop's Take

The Dorman 902-1010 Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing is a direct replacement part designed for select Ford models, ensuring optimal engine temperature regulation. Users have praised the durable aluminum construction, with many noting, "I never had to use a drop of silicone for the housings or the crossover pipe and no leaks at all," which speaks to its reliability compared to plastic alternatives. Given the overall positive feedback regarding its durability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of installation, the Dorman 902-1010 is highly recommended for those seeking a dependable replacement for their vehicle's thermostat housing.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Thermostat Housings

I went with an A-Premium aluminum thermostat housing and haven't had any leaks in about 5k miles, so I'm past the bad reviews milage where it just didn't seal at all.

Positive Feedback

It's not a performance engine: It's just a workhorse engine that can move a Jeep around pretty good, but not much else.

Negative Feedback
Product
6.7
Dorman 902-1010 Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing
Routine Maintenance Replacement
9 / 10
Performance Upgrades
8 / 10
OEM Restoration Projects
5 / 10
Universal Retrofits
7 / 10
See how this compares to all Thermostat Housings

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Durable aluminum housing prevents leaks
I went with an A-Premium aluminum thermostat housing and haven't had any leaks in about 5k miles, so I'm past the bad reviews milage where it just didn't seal at all.
I replaced my thermostat housing with a cheap aluminum Mitzone one from Amazon when I first got the car and I've driven 10Kish miles since with no issues.
The issue I had with my aluminum housing from Dorman was the casting for the throttle body heater line on the top meant the line wouldn't seal and the clip couldn't attach.
I never had to use a drop of silicone for the housings or the crossover pipe and no leaks at all.
Dorman offers good replacements for problematic OEM designs
They are basically the only company left that make's good parts for this car.
Personally I am glad they are around making what they make.
I would STRONGLY recommend you to buy ONLY a BMW stamped WP and a BMW stamped Tstat.
Dorman's parts are cost-effective
Its really odd..... Maybe its because its a market that others don't bother with? But even then the Prices are decent enough to make it not seem like they just want to gouge people for their cars.
Easy installation with proper preparation
Make sure the mating surface to the seal on both the thermostat and housing is clean and flat.
Dorman offers a durable aluminum housing
Seems like all the plastic ones crack.
I replaced three before getting the aluminum one.
Aluminum construction recommended
Do not get the plastic replacement. Find the alluminum one.
Forget the plastic - GET THE ALUMINUM. Money well spent.
Motorcraft for a normal replacement, dorman makes an aluminum version.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. You ain't a 4l v6 ranger owner if you haven't done this.
Metal housing prevents coolant leaks
Yes, the metal water outlet (thermostat) housings will prevent this problem from happening again.
Make sure it comes with a new sensor. Metal is probably better.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Limited value in replacing housing
It's not a performance engine: It's just a workhorse engine that can move a Jeep around pretty good, but not much else.
Aluminum housing may not be necessary
No issues so far
Potential for minor issues with cheaper options
Mine actually went bad. Tiny pin hole. Buy a new one, naw. JB weld to the rescue!
Plastic thermostat housings are a common failure point
The only thing i hope they get around to making for the LS is a replacement for the plastic Thermostat housing, as that is THE biggest failure point on that car.
Potential reliability issues with Dorman products
Very common issue.
Tight fit during installation
Sometimes if you change your thermostat and not your radiator hose it will blow a hole in your hose or radiator
Leaks at connection points
What am I doing wrong? Have installed same new 2013 sonic 1.4 thermostat housing (from Amazon) twice now and it leaks right where chrome steel pipe connects w/ 2 bolts at front of housing.
Replacing individual pieces is asking for it to leak because of the loose tolerances/cheap materials.
Recommending OEM or higher quality parts
A better quality part might be the solution.
OEM parts are recommended over aftermarket options
Get an oem one and you'll be okay.

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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Preference for aluminum over plastic
I think I’d rather go with the more robust material.
I’ve read several debating answers on whether the plastic or metal thermostat housing is better.
Discussion on collecting OEM parts
And yes I seriously have kept them.
Discussion about compatibility of different models
I think there was a different engine that came with the metal one that fits but I don’t remember which one.
Preferences for aluminum over plastic housings
Get the aluminum one. DO NOT install a plastic thermostat housing. It will always leak.
Discussion about alternative thermostat housing brands
I bought the MITZONE brand and it didn't seal properly.
Please verify but I believe the 1.8 is something like this.
Discussion on brand recommendations
He said he doesnt recommend retail brand parts (Autozone etc) due to durability breaking within the year in general
Discussion on durability of aluminum vs plastic parts
Go with the all metal housing which should be more durable in the long run.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Discussion about thermostat compatibility
How did you know what thermostat would fit inside the housing?
Oh I misunderstood. Some people have been able to just replace the thermostat and keep the same housing.
Mine just came as a set, so I put the new one on at the same time.
Is the Dorman all aluminum water pump better than the oem?
Difficulty finding replacements for specific models
Cracked thermostat housing on '91 Suzuki Carry So this weekend I was replacing my radiator and thermostat in my carry, and I torqued down the bolts on the upper thermostat housing too hard and cracked it :(
I wish measurements would be posted.
Concerns about thermostat compatibility
Would replacing the thermostat housing with a metal one instead of plastic fix this code and keep it from happening so often?

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Mixed experiences with different brands
I bought a cheap aluminum housing and thermostat off Amazon. So far so good.
Common issues with thermostat replacements
It’s a common problem that only costs $6 to fix.
Only 30$ so not terrible costing but they are warrantied.
Discussion about common intake manifold gasket issues
Would it be just like a gasket or is it the entire intake manifold that would need to be replaced?
Save yourself the trouble and replace the manifold
Discussion on common failures of plastic parts
And who can say whether or not there may have been a casting or molding flaw in the part?
Getting a replacement for that will cost under $30 from your local auto zone.
Concerns about temperature differences with aftermarket thermostats
the temperature that they open at is lower than the OEM temperature.
Running slightly cooler is not a bad thing.
Discussion about various replacement parts
Water outlet thermostat housing leaking.
Me and my dad went to O'reileys, they looked up various o-rings and ordered them next day and we changed it out
Idk if it helps when I replaced my thermostat housing I hade buy a new hose clamp
General issues with engine cooling system
This car is a dumpster fire when it comes to engine cooling.

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