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Starting at $21.95, AutoBuffy stocks 3 engine coolant thermostat housing assemblies from Beck/Arnley, SKP, and Aisin. The housing seals the thermostat to the engine and routes coolant through the system; a cracked, warped, or leaking housing causes coolant loss, overheating, and heater failure that can quickly escalate to serious engine damage if ignored.
The main decision is whether to buy a bare housing, a housing pre-fitted with a new thermostat and gasket, or an OE-equivalent assembly that matches factory material and outlet position exactly. On many modern engines, the housing integrates the thermostat, temperature sensor port, and coolant hose connections into one unit, so replacing the whole assembly rather than individual pieces is often more reliable and cost-effective.
| Option | Best for | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| OEM-equivalent complete assembly | Owners who want a direct factory-match fit with no sourcing multiple pieces | Housing, integrated thermostat, gasket or O-ring, and sensor port — matches original material (plastic, aluminum, or magnesium alloy) and outlet angle |
| Housing + thermostat kit (aftermarket) | Budget-conscious repairs where the housing is intact but the thermostat has failed separately | Replacement thermostat calibrated to factory opening temperature paired with a compatible housing; may require purchasing a gasket separately |
| Heavy-duty aluminum housing | High-mileage vehicles or those in hot climates where OEM plastic housings have a history of cracking | Cast or billet aluminum construction that resists heat cycling and cracking better than plastic; may require adapting sensor and hose fittings |
| Housing with integrated coolant temperature sensor | Vehicles where the CTS mounts directly into the housing and the original sensor is corroded or damaged | All-in-one repair covering both the housing failure and a failing sensor in a single R&R, reducing labor time |
Allow the engine to cool completely, then drain enough coolant from the radiator to bring the level below the housing before unbolting it and disconnecting any hose and sensor connections. Clean the mating surface on the engine block or intake thoroughly before installing the new housing with a fresh gasket or O-ring — do not reuse old sealing material. Refill and bleed the cooling system, then run the engine to operating temperature and inspect for leaks before returning the vehicle to service.