Broke Bolt for thermostat housing and hose identifier?

CHELSEE BUKER PROX

MEMBER
2006 FORD MUSTANG
4.0L
V6
AUTOMATIC
190,000 MILES

I'm looking for help with a few things if anybody is willing I would greatly appreciate it. I'm replacing the thermostat housing on my 2006 Ford Mustang I believe it's a V6 4.0 just the standard regular mustang I guess, I don't know much about cars but I'm learning as u can tell. Anyways I got the housing out after battling with the back bolt to remove the housing completely but the bolt broke and is stuck in whatever the housing is bolted down to. I've tried everything to get this bolt out and in doing so I punctured the hose that was in my way the entire time, I've been working on this for a week now. When I punctured the hose liquid squirted out and it smells like gas so I assume it's some kind of gas line. While I'm in there I guess I need to replace my damaged hose now to but Idk what it's called. So my questions are, 1 what is this hose I've identified in the pictures, it runs behind the housing barely above where that back bolt is, and is it ok to leave that bolt alone, it's broke off lower than the rim, add some sealant over it, then bolt the housing back down only using the other 2 bolts? Any help will do cause I'm about to lose my mind! Also 1 more thing. Is there any place under the hood I could paint and apply glitter? It's really dull and boring under there ✨

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi,

For some reason, the pic of the hose didn't show up. If, however, you smell fuel, chances are that it is the fuel line that needs to be replaced before turning the key back on because fuel pressure will build right away. Send the pic if possible.

As far as the broken bolt is concerned, it needs fixed. If you only use two of the three bolts to secure the housing, it will likely leak. You need to get a bolt extractor to remove the broken bolt. Using a drill, carefully drill into the center of the broken bolt. Then, insert an extractor tool to remove the broken portion. I attached a pic from Amazon below showing what I'm referring to.

Last, I don't feel painting anything under the hood is a good idea, but that is up to you. You have to remember, it gets extremely hot in the engine compartment. Don't use anything that could melt, catch fire, or damage components. If you paint something, use an engine paint or high temp paint.

Let me know about the hose.

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)