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Dorman 902-2081 Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing

Curated from 71 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: December 5, 2024

Dorman 902-2081 Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing

Brand: Dorman

Price: $11

Snoop Score:

6.1

Sentiment

6.5

Popularity

7.5

Technical

5.3

Buy on Amazon for $11 See All Thermostat Housings Reviews

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Snoop's Take

The Dorman 902-2081 Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing is a replacement part designed for select vehicle models, offering a durable solution for managing engine temperature. Feedback from users highlights its cost-effectiveness and durability, with one user stating, "Get the aluminum one. DO NOT install a plastic thermostat housing. It will always leak." Many consumers appreciate the aluminum construction, which is seen as a reliable alternative to the commonly problematic plastic housings. However, there are mixed sentiments regarding the overall quality of Dorman products, with some users expressing doubts about their reliability, stating, "Dorman, from my experience, is not a reliable brand." While several users have reported successful installations and no leaks, others caution about potential issues with sealing and durability, suggesting that proper installation is crucial to avoid leaks. Overall, while the Dorman thermostat housing is a cost-effective option, potential buyers should weigh user feedback regarding its reliability and consider preferences for original manufacturer parts.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Thermostat Housings

I bought a cheap aluminum housing and thermostat off Amazon. So far so good.
Positive Feedback

Don't really see too much value in the housing.
Negative Feedback

6.1

Dorman 902-2081 Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing

Buy on Amazon for $11

Routine Maintenance Replacement

7 / 10

Performance Upgrades

6 / 10

OEM Restoration Projects

4 / 10

Universal Retrofits

5 / 10

See how this compares to all Thermostat Housings

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.

Cost-effective alternative to factory parts

“I bought a cheap aluminum housing and thermostat off Amazon. So far so good.”➕

Durability with aluminum housing

“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.”➕

“Seems like all the plastic ones crack.”➕

“Get the aluminum one. DO NOT install a plastic thermostat housing. It will always leak.”➕

Good alternative for Lincoln LS parts

“They are basically the only company left that make's good parts for this car.”➕

Cost-effective compared to OEM parts

“the Prices are decent enough to make it not seem like they just want to gouge people for the privilege to have decent parts for their cars.”➕

Durability of aluminum housing

“Do not get the plastic replacement. Find the alluminum one.”➕

“Forget the plastic - GET THE ALUMINUM. Money well spent.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.

Doubt about the value of the housing

“Don't really see too much value in the housing.”➕

“Dorman, from my experience, is not a reliable brand.”➕

Preference for original manufacturer parts

“No issues so far”➕

“He said he doesnt recommend retail brand parts (Autozone etc) due to durability breaking within the year in general”➕

“Motorcraft for the housing, thermostat, and sensor.”➕

Potential for low durability (pin hole issue)

“Mine actually went bad. Tiny pin hole. Buy a new one, naw. JB weld to the rescue!”➕

Leaks expected over time

“I haven't had any leaks in about 5k miles, so I'm past the bad reviews mileage where it just didn't seal at all.”➕

“Since it’s leaking from the bottom of the crossover and not the top where the outlet installs, it’s intake manifold replacement time.”➕

Doubt about the overall quality of Dorman parts

“Unfortunately, it looks like it's time to replace the intake manifold gasket. Very common issue.”➕

“My OEM thermo collection's up to three! They're on display next to the busted tailgate handles.”➕

Issues with sealing and leakage

“Sometimes if you change your thermostat and not your radiator hose it will blow a hole in your hose or radiator”➕

“I bought the MITZONE brand and it didn't seal properly.”➕

Concerns about proper installation affecting performance

“Make sure the mating surface to the seal on both the thermostat and housing is clean and flat.”➕

Concerns about durability of plastic components

“And who can say whether or not there may have been a casting or molding flaw in the part?”➕

“Replacing individual pieces is asking for it to leak because of the loose tolerances/cheap materials.”➕

“A better quality part might be the solution.”➕

Concerns about sealing and leakage

“Water outlet thermostat housing leaking. I replaced the water outlet and thermostat housing with one from AutoZone part#TA2003DL.”➕

Leaks expected from replacement parts

“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.”➕

Preference for OEM or metal parts

“Go with the all metal housing which should be more durable in the long run.”➕

Preference for OEM parts over aftermarket

“Get an oem one and you'll be okay.”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product Name	Price	Score	See Details	Buy Now
KAKO Thermostat Housing Assembly for Ford Explorer & Mercury Mountaineer	$25	8.3	Details	Buy
Dorman 902-689 Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing	$4	7.2	Details	Buy
A-Premium Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing Water Outlet	$17	7.0	Details	Buy
Dorman 902-1010 Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing	$7	6.7	Details	Buy
Dorman 902-2081 Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing	$11	6.1	Details	Buy
PQY Swivel Neck Thermostat Housing for K Series	$32	6.0	Details	Buy
COOL STAR Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing 2782000815	$82	5.9	Details	Buy
Dorman 902-1001 Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing	$13	5.8	Details	Buy
QLZOZB Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing Case with Gasket	$16	4.5	Details	Buy
General Motors Genuine GM 12597172 Engine Cooling Thermostat Housing	$99	3.1	Details	Buy
Acupress Engine Cooling Thermostat Housing Replacement	$22	2.2	Details	Buy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.

Discussion on aluminum vs plastic thermostat housings

“Aluminum thermostat housings? Just wondering if anyone with a 3.6 has tried any of the aluminum thermostat housings available on Amazon?”➕

“I think I’d rather go with the more robust material.”➕

“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.”➕

Debate on material choice (plastic vs metal)

“I’ve read several debating answers on whether the plastic or metal thermostat housing is better.”➕

“I replaced three before getting the aluminum one.”➕

Discussion on temperature effects on thermostat housing material

“the only thing i’ve seen with those is the temperature that they open at is lower than the OEM temperature.”➕

“Running slightly cooler is not a bad thing.”➕

Debate on benefits of metal vs plastic housings

“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.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’

Debate on the necessity of replacement parts for older models

“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.”➕

“Unreliable plastic thermostat housings for the 2014 1.4 lt, is there any sort of thermostat thats available to buy anywhere that has a stronger housing, maybe one out of metal?”➕

“[https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Aluminum-Thermostat-Assembly-Compatible/dp/B0C4SZ5ZFV?th=1](https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Aluminum-Thermostat-Assembly-Compatible/dp/B0C4SZ5ZFV?th=1)”➕

Discussion on finding replacements for specific models

“Cracked thermostat housing on '91 Suzuki Carry”➕

“I wish measurements would be posted.”➕

“we changed it out”➕

“Idk if it helps when I replaced my thermostat housing I hade buy a new hose clamp”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.

Common issues leading to thermostat replacement

“It’s a common problem that only costs $6 to fix.”➕

“Only 30$ so not terrible costing but they are warrantied.”➕

Discussion on common issues leading to thermostat replacement

“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 the commonality of part failures

“Fate decided that it was time for it to crack in my wife's Pacifica lol.”➕

Debate on temperature effects on plastic parts

“Getting a replacement for that will cost under $30 from your local auto zone.”➕

Discussion on brand preferences for thermostat housing

“I will third motorcraft parts.”➕