So what is it with the lower T-stat housing bolt on the 4.0

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Aug 2, 2011 | 07:19 PM

90_cherokee

Thread Starter

Seasoned Member

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 322

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From: Sierra Vista AZ

Year: 1990

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

So what is it with the lower T-stat housing bolt on the 4.0

The lower T-stat bolt on my 90 XJ broke and there was nothing to grab with vice grips,I tried an Easy out and it broke inside the bolt. Drilled and drilled,and broke a piece of casting off the cylinder head. Its junk now.

Ive read so many threads on so many forums about lower Tstat housing bolt breakage. Why is this SO common?

My Tstat housing is aluminum,could the dissimilar metals (the metal bolt and the aluminum housing) have anything to do with this?

Looks like Antiseize is your friend in this area?

Last edited by 90_cherokee; Aug 2, 2011 at 07:22 PM.

Aug 2, 2011 | 07:43 PM

djb383

CF Veteran

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 8,172

Likes: 17

From: The Republic of TEXAS

Year: 1998

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0L HO

Doesn't do any good now but a little wheel bearing grease on the bolt threads when going back in.......

Aug 3, 2011 | 08:21 AM

mike mike

Seasoned Member

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 416

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From: Tucson AZ

Year: 94

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

For over 30 years I've wiped a thin film of gasket sealer in the threads of my T housing bolts on every motor I've owned. Never had one rust up, get stuck.