Dorman 902-896 Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing - Upper

Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing for Ford and Mercury

Dorman 902-896 is a replacement engine coolant thermostat housing built to match the fit and durability of the original housing on specified vehicles. It is made for the cooling system and uses a plastic black housing with a 45-degree neck angle to help maintain proper coolant routing.

Compatible with 2002-2010 Ford Explorer upper cooling system applications, 2007-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac upper cooling system applications, and 2002-2010 Mercury Mountaineer upper cooling system applications, this housing is shaped for direct replacement service. The included O-ring and gasket/seal support a proper seal at the outlet port.

Key Features

• Direct replacement engine coolant thermostat housing
• Black plastic construction for OE-style fit and function
• 1.5 in. outlet port diameter
• 45-degree housing neck angle
• 3 mounting holes with 0.375 in. mounting hole diameter
• Gasket/seal included
• O-ring included
• Thermostat not included

Detailed Description

Dorman 902-896 is engineered for the cooling system on select Ford Explorer, Ford Explorer Sport Trac, and Mercury Mountaineer models. It replaces the upper engine coolant thermostat housing and is built to match the stock housing’s fit and durability while handling repeated temperature swings that can occur during normal engine operation. This part cross-references Gates CO34737 for the same application.

Common Problems This Part Can Help Address

• Coolant leaks at the thermostat housing outlet
• Cracked or warped plastic housing from heat cycling
• Improper sealing at the upper cooling system connection
• Cooling system service needs on a worn OE housing
• Fitment issues caused by a damaged housing neck or mounting points

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify the upper housing location and outlet orientation before installation. Inspect the mating surface, replace worn coolant seals as needed, and confirm the 45-degree neck angle matches the original part. The thermostat is not included, and bolts are not included, so reuse or source the correct fasteners separately if required by the vehicle.

Quality Assurance

Dorman designs this replacement housing to match OE-style fit and durability for specified applications. Its construction is intended to withstand extreme temperature changes for extended service life in the cooling system.