2004 Wiper Motor Bracket Seal Discontinued | Ford Thunderbird club group 1955-2005 T-Bird models

2004 Wiper Motor Bracket Seal Discontinued

  • Thread starter Thread starter WesTxStoner425
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WesTxStoner425

WesTxStoner425

Bronze Member
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Thunderbird Year
2004
I'm replacing my coolant tank with an aluminum one, and while I'm in there, thought it might be wise to replace the wiper motor bracket seal. An internet search shows this as discontinued at Ford suppliers. Does anyone have a idea as to where to purchase one? Also, anything else I should preemptively replace while I've got the cowl cover off?

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WesTxStoner425 said:
It's the coolant overflow tank. Leak underneath, want this to be a one-time replacement.
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Don't expect a modern-day aluminum one to last as long as automotive plastics made from high-temperature polyamides (PA) or polypropylene (PP) for durability. If the original one had been made out of aluminum, it would have crapped out a long time ago. People learn this the hard way with Jeep radiators all the time. Of course, you are not going to be off roading in a Tbird, but aluminum is no superior to automatics plastics.

Also, if the OEM tank is not leaking, I would not replace it. I took the one out of our 2004 Keep and cleaned it up real good.
 
This is the first time I've read on this forum that the aluminum tank is not superior to the plastic one. I have seen posts of members having to replace plastic tanks multiple times, but I suppose that could be due to cheap foreign made knockoffs. Thanks for the info, but I think I will still go with the aluminum tank. I will keep the original tank if it is not the cause of the leak, just in case.
Also, while I'm here, are the hose clamps just a squeeze together clamp, or is a special tool required? I wonder who decided to turn these clamps towards the firewall instead of orienting them towards the front? I can't visualize the other side of the clamp because it's turned too far and I can't orient my pliers to reach. I'm off to Harbor Freight for a better tool.
Finally, I have seen suggestions on this site to replace the plastic thermostat housing with an aluminum one, at least for the 2002 (I don't think one is made for the other years). What's the rationale there? Just curious, as I've had to replace the plastic housing of my 04 in the past.
 
WesTxStoner425 said:
I have seen posts of members having to replace plastic tanks multiple times,
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The car is more that two decades old so of course some have been replaced. The problem here is the myth that the "plastic" is like a children's toy and that aluminum is better just because it's metal.
 
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