Dorman 902-3312 Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing Assembly

Curated from 63 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: November 20, 2024

Dorman 902-3312 Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing Assembly

Brand: Dorman

Price: $17

Snoop Score:

5.8

Sentiment

5.0

Popularity

5.9

Technical

6.4

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Snoop's Take

The Dorman 902-3312 Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing Assembly is designed as a direct replacement for the original water outlet in select vehicle models. This high-quality part is built to endure extreme temperature changes, ensuring durability and reliability in performance. Consumer feedback highlights the effectiveness of Dorman parts, with many noting, "They frequently add design improvements, like drain plugs on transmission pans, better engineered cooling fans, etc." Users appreciate that it serves as a cost-effective replacement option, often being cheaper than alternatives, with some stating, "this is even cheaper than the duralast replacements at my autozone." However, there are concerns regarding the durability of plastic housings and potential installation issues that may lead to leaks. Overall, while the Dorman 902-3312 has garnered positive remarks for its cost-effectiveness and reliability, it is recommended that users consider the durability concerns associated with plastic components. If you prioritize longevity, opting for the aluminum version may be a better choice.

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They frequently add design improvements, like drain plugs on transmission pans, better engineered cooling fans, etc.
Positive Feedback

Sometimes if you change your thermostat and not your radiator hose it will blow a hole in your hose or radiator.
Negative Feedback

5.8

Dorman 902-3312 Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing Assembly

Buy on Amazon for $17

Routine Maintenance

5 / 10

Engine Overheating Prevention

7 / 10

Aftermarket Performance Upgrade

7 / 10

Budget-Friendly Replacement

3 / 10

See how this compares to all Thermostats

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.

Good results with Dorman parts

“They frequently add design improvements, like drain plugs on transmission pans, better engineered cooling fans, etc.”➕

Direct replacement for original water outlet

“It’s was a tight fit getting it in there but was pretty straight forward direct swap.”➕

“Definitely a tight fit but doable.”➕

Dorman offers good parts for Lincoln LS

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

No leaks with proper installation

“I never had to use a drop of silicone for the housings or the crossover pipe and no leaks at all.”➕

Direct replacement for original housing

“It is coming out of the front either from the Thermostat housing joint, or the crossover pipe joint.”➕

Cost-effective replacement option

“this is even cheaper than the duralast replacements at my autozone.”➕

Dorman offers an aluminum version

“Motorcraft for a normal replacement, dorman makes an aluminum version.”➕

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

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.

Potential installation problems leading to leaks

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

Concerns about durability of plastic housings

“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?”➕

Issues with sealing in aftermarket brands

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

Recommendation against plastic replacements

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

Thermostat failures within a short time frame

“Thermostat failed 3 times in 2 months. I’ve had my thermostat and thermostat housing replaced three times in the last two months.”➕

Concerns about the quality of thermostats

“MotoRad thermostat. Lasted less than 6 months.”➕

Concerns about the durability of certain thermostat brands

“Those fail safe thermostats are one of the dumbest things I've ever seen.”➕

Aftermarket thermostat failures

“The car started leaking aggressively again after two weeks, so I took it into the mechanic.”➕

“He said I should replace the thermostat too with OEM.”➕

“Buying one that opens at the same temp as OEM would be equivalent.”➕

Recommendation for OEM thermostat

“I would recommend the OEM thermostat, unless you have a rebuilt engine.”➕

Concerns about quality and reliability of Dorman parts

“It came with my intake manifold gasket set, figured I'd toss it into the new intake manifold since it was supplied.”➕

“I put a dorman in because the oem tank is $600 for a 1990 taurus.”➕

“I learned the hard way that Moog and Dorman are code for rebranded Chinesium shit.”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

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Dorman 902-700 Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing Assembly	$13	6.4	Details	Buy
Dorman 902-692 Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing Assembly	$43	6.0	Details	Buy
Dorman 902-3312 Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing Assembly	$17	5.8	Details	Buy
MotoRad 655-160 Thermostat	$10	4.5	Details	Buy
HEVLE Car Thermostat - High Performance Automotive Replacement	$8	2.9	Details	Buy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.

Debate over aluminum vs OEM materials

“OEM is always a good start but aluminum is best.”➕

Dorman has a niche focus on Lincoln LS parts

“Dorman seems to have some..... odd affection for The Lincoln LS, they make basically every wear item under the sun.”➕

Discussion on car cooling issues and thermostat types

“Though the car is not overheating, and I am not having an issue with it, I’m worried it’s a symptom of something else.”➕

“You should install a ZZP aluminum thermostat, it made my car run 20 degrees cooler.”➕

“Don’t think they make the aluminum thermostat available for the 1.8 unfortunately.”➕

“It’s a different temp sensor that opens at 206 instead of 220-230 or whatever stock is.”➕

Discussion on temperature differences compared to OEM

“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. Even though there is a marginal difference, overheating caused by a cracked housing (either of them) is far more damaging.”➕

Discussion about failsafe thermostats and their function

“An OEM thermostat will fix the problem because they're not 'failsafe'.”➕

Discussion about thermostats and their manufacturing

“Im pretty sure motorad and dorman thermostats are made in the same factory with the same ammount of quality control.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

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

Different opinions on whether to drain coolant

“Some videos say to drain coolant and some say it’s not necessary.”➕

“Nah. Pop that baby out and put a catch pan under the car to catch what comes out.”➕

“I would. I'd flush it too and run cleaner too since your refilling anyway.”➕

“Drain it, for less mess.”➕

Importance of clean mating surfaces for installation

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

Discussion on proper temperature for thermostats

“You might not need oem, but you do need the proper temp thermostat.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.

OEM parts can be reliable too

“My oem plastic one never cracked or leaked.”➕

Debate on the effectiveness of OE designs

“most of them didn’t make it to 200k anyhow, and for where most people drove them, that filter setup was…fine.”➕

Personal anecdotes about replacing thermostat housings

“And yes I seriously have kept them.”➕

Personal experiences with various aftermarket brands

“Honestly just installed this one.”➕

Discussion on brands for thermostat housing

“So im looking for replacement brand recommendations or yalls counter opinions.”➕

Mention of Motorcraft as a preferred brand

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

“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.”➕

P0128 code indicates issues with achieving operating temperature

“My check engine light came on a couple days ago so I took it to auto one and got a P0128 code which means the thermostat is stuck open.”➕

“P0128 doesn't mean "thermostat stuck open", it means "engine took longer to reach a preset temperature than anticipated".”➕

Thermostat issues can be linked to more severe problems

“My truck turned out to have both head gaskets blown and a warped head, so the P0128 didn’t really tell me anything.”➕

Thermostat can sometimes stick and then unstick

“The risk it can stick close again and overheat the engine.”➕

Dorman 902-3312 Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing Assembly

Curated from 63 real Reddit conversations

Dorman 902-3312 Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing Assembly

Snoop's Take

Dorman 902-3312 Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing Assembly

Routine Maintenance

Engine Overheating Prevention

Aftermarket Performance Upgrade

Budget-Friendly Replacement

What it does well!

Where it needs some work!

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Core Power Plays

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

Cautionary Callouts

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